Ghana and France have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration in the development of responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.

The agreement, signed between the Responsible AI Lab (RAIL) of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and DataIA of Université Paris-Saclay, is expected to strengthen collaboration in research, education, and innovation, with a strong emphasis on the responsible development of AI technologies.

The signing of the agreement was one of the highlights of the FEF Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development (AI4SD) Conference, currently underway in Paris, France.

Ghana’s Ambassador to France, H.E. Mavis Ama Frimpong, signed on behalf of Ghana, while Prof. Frédéric Pascal, Vice-President for AI at Université Paris-Saclay and Director of the DataIA Institute, signed on behalf of France.

The agreement will, among other things, strengthen academic and scientific cooperation between Ghanaian and French institutions by creating opportunities for doctoral research, student mobility, and collaborative learning.

The FEF Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development (AI4SD) Conference brings together innovators, professionals, researchers, policymakers, students, and technology enthusiasts to promote joint research and the development of AI solutions that address local and global development challenges through international collaboration.

The conference, which opened on Monday, June 29, and runs until July 3, 2026, is expected to provide valuable insights into the latest advancements in Artificial Intelligence, emerging trends, policy developments, real-world applications, and the opportunities shaping the future of technology.

In a brief remark, Dr. Daniel Adjei, FEF-AI4SD Project Lead at the Institut de Chimie Physique, Université Paris-Saclay, said months of planning and collaboration had culminated in the formalisation of the landmark partnership, which will advance Artificial Intelligence research, innovation, and education in both countries.

“We spent several months putting this together, and I am so happy that today we are witnessing something wonderful. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding is something that amazes me because we always wanted to have such an agreement, but it could never happen until today.”

He acknowledged the contributions of all partners who played key roles in achieving the various components of the project.

Ghana’s Ambassador to France, H.E. Mavis Ama Frimpong, commended all the partners for their invaluable contributions, noting that their collective efforts had been key to the successful implementation of the project.

Ambassador Frimpong expressed particular appreciation to Dr. Daniel Adjei for his foresight and patriotism, which she said had contributed significantly to advancing Franco-Ghanaian cooperation across several strategic areas of national development.

“Allow me to express my sincere gratitude on behalf of the Government of Ghana to Dr. Daniel Adjei, whose patriotism, vision, initiative, and dedication have been instrumental in establishing this collaboration. His leadership has played a pivotal role in bringing together the various partner institutions and fostering a productive framework for scientific and academic cooperation.”

She encouraged participants to renew their commitment, forge stronger connections that empower communities, protect the environment, and uplift future generations.

For his part, Prof. Frédéric Pascal, Vice-President for AI at Université Paris-Saclay and Director of the DataIA Institute, said the partnership goes beyond the symbolic signing of an agreement, describing it as a practical framework for addressing critical challenges through ethical and trustworthy Artificial Intelligence.

“This agreement is not just a piece of paper. It is grounded in the FACETS framework, which stands for Fair, Accountable, Competent, Ethical, Transparent, and Safe, to tackle AI challenges in healthcare, energy, and agriculture.”

He said the agreement would also strengthen academic and scientific cooperation between Ghanaian and French institutions by creating opportunities for doctoral research, student mobility, and collaborative learning.

The agreement is expected to strengthen scientific cooperation, create new opportunities for students and researchers, and position Ghana as a leading hub for Artificial Intelligence development and innovation in Africa.