Good morning.

It is a pleasure to join you at the Ghana AI Summit and Awards 2026, a platform that continues to bring together policymakers, industry leaders, academia, innovators and development partners to shape Ghana's Artificial Intelligence ecosystem and advance our national digital transformation agenda.

 

I commend the organisers for their commitment to sustaining this important national conversation. Over the years, the Ghana AI Summit has grown into a valuable platform for dialogue, collaboration and innovation, creating opportunities for stakeholders to exchange ideas, showcase practical solutions and strengthen partnerships that support Ghana's digital economy.

 

This year's theme, "Artificial Intelligence for Economic Growth and Job Creation: Innovation, Inclusion and Future Jobs," reflects a national priority and a global reality. Around the world, Artificial Intelligence is expanding economic opportunities, strengthening industries, improving productivity and creating new possibilities for innovation across every sector of society.

 

For Ghana, Artificial Intelligence represents an important pillar of our economic transformation agenda. It provides opportunities to accelerate industrial growth, modernise public service delivery, strengthen local innovation, improve competitiveness and equip our people with the skills required to succeed in an increasingly digital global economy.

 

The vision of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama is to build a digitally inclusive, innovation-driven economy where technology serves as a catalyst for sustainable development and shared prosperity.

 

Artificial Intelligence occupies an important place within that vision. Government is pursuing a comprehensive digital transformation agenda that combines investments in digital infrastructure, human capital development, innovation, digital public services and an enabling policy environment that encourages research, entrepreneurship and responsible technology adoption.

 

Our objective is straightforward. We are creating an ecosystem where innovation flourishes, businesses grow, research translates into commercial solutions and Ghanaian talent competes confidently on the continental and global stage.

 

Building a thriving AI ecosystem requires deliberate investment in policy, institutions and people. Government is therefore advancing the implementation of Ghana's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which provides a clear framework for developing, deploying and governing Artificial Intelligence in ways that support national development and improve the lives of our citizens.

 

The Strategy reflects our commitment to innovation that is responsible, inclusive and aligned with our national priorities. It also provides direction for research institutions, industry, start-ups and public sector organisations seeking to harness AI to solve practical challenges across our economy.

 

Alongside this, Government continues to strengthen the broader digital ecosystem through investments in digital public infrastructure, improved connectivity, modern digital services and institutional reforms that enhance efficiency, interoperability and trust. These investments create the enabling environment required for Artificial Intelligence to flourish.

 

The most valuable resource within every digital economy is its people. Technology creates possibilities. People transform those possibilities into progress. Government therefore continues to place significant emphasis on developing the digital skills required for the future of work.

 

Our flagship One Million Coders Programme reflects this commitment. The programme is equipping young Ghanaians with globally competitive skills in Artificial Intelligence, software engineering, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, digital entrepreneurship and other emerging technologies.

 

The enthusiasm demonstrated by young people across the country confirms that Ghana possesses the talent, creativity and determination to become a leader within Africa's digital economy. Our responsibility is to provide opportunities, strengthen institutions and create pathways that allow that talent to thrive.

 

 

 

Universities, research institutions and innovation hubs remain indispensable partners in this journey. The future of Artificial Intelligence will be shaped by research, collaboration and the ability to translate ideas into solutions that respond to national priorities. Government therefore welcomes stronger collaboration between academia, industry and the public sector to promote applied research, commercialisation of innovation and the development of locally relevant AI applications.

 

We encourage our universities to continue expanding research in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, robotics, data science and emerging technologies while strengthening partnerships with industry to prepare graduates for the evolving demands of the digital economy.

 

Artificial Intelligence offers practical opportunities across every major sector of Ghana's economy. Within agriculture, AI can support precision farming, improve crop monitoring and strengthen food security. Within healthcare, intelligent technologies can enhance diagnostics, improve patient care and support medical research. Within education, AI-powered learning platforms can personalise learning experiences and expand access to quality education.

 

Within manufacturing, logistics and financial services, Artificial Intelligence is improving efficiency, strengthening decision-making and creating new business opportunities. Within Government, AI is supporting more responsive public services, evidence-based policymaking and greater operational efficiency. These opportunities reinforce our conviction that Artificial Intelligence is an important driver of national development.

 

As AI continues to evolve, Government remains committed to ensuring that innovation is accompanied by strong governance, public trust and responsible use. Confidence in Artificial Intelligence depends upon transparency, accountability, privacy, security and ethical standards that protect citizens while encouraging innovation.

 

Our approach therefore promotes innovation alongside responsible governance, recognising that sustainable technological progress is strengthened by public confidence and collaborative regulation. Government will continue working with industry, academia, civil society and international partners to strengthen Ghana's capacity for responsible AI development and governance.

 

The remarkable progress we seek requires collaboration. Government values the partnerships we continue to build with development partners, the private sector, research institutions and technology companies. Together, we are creating opportunities for investment, supporting digital entrepreneurship, strengthening innovation ecosystems and preparing Ghana's workforce for the future. The Ghana AI Summit exemplifies the value of this collaborative approach. It brings together the ideas, expertise and partnerships that will shape Ghana's AI journey for years to come.

 

To our innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs and young people, I offer this encouragement. Continue to build, innovate and develop solutions that respond to Ghana's development priorities. Your creativity, resilience and ingenuity will define the next chapter of our country's digital transformation. Government remains committed to creating an environment where your ideas can grow into enterprises, your research can become innovation and your innovation can create jobs, expand industries and improve lives.

 

Ghana's Artificial Intelligence journey is progressing with purpose and confidence. We are; investing in our people, strengthening our institutions, expanding digital infrastructure, creating opportunities for innovation and fostering partnerships that position Ghana as a leading digital economy within Africa.

 

Together, we have the opportunity to build an AI ecosystem that promotes economic growth, creates meaningful employment, strengthens businesses, improves public services and delivers lasting value for every Ghanaian.

 

I congratulate the organisers of the Ghana AI Summit and Awards for another successful edition and wish all participants fruitful deliberations.