What if the biggest challenge to digital and AI transformation isn't the technology itself, but how we prepare people to use it? 

As Ghana accelerates its digital transformation agenda, government institutions face an increasingly important task. From managing institutional data to evaluating artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, public officials must make decisions about emerging technologies that could change how government works and how citizens access essential services. Yet the success of these investments depends as much on the people making those decisions as it does on the technologies themselves. 

For 50 public officials who participated in the Digital & AI Champions Training for Government in Accra, the challenge became an opportunity to rethink how their institutions approach technology. Over three days, participants explored how AI, systems thinking, digital governance and stronger collaboration could help address everyday challenges in government, while examining what it takes to introduce new technologies responsibly. 

Led by Dhani Spiller, Digital Capacity Lead at UNDP, and Marina Dimova, Innovation Specialist at UNDP, the workshops provided practical exercises for participants to examined the connections between institutional processes, data and public service delivery. Working in groups, they identified gaps in information management and explored how stronger collaboration across ministries could improve government operations. 

For Pamela Okyere from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the exercises revealed just how closely the work of different government institutions is connected. 

“My biggest takeaway is realising that, as a ministry, we have opportunities to share data on our programmes, the services we deliver and the people we serve with other ministries, to make our work across government easier and more effective. It was interesting to discover just how interconnected our ministries are, and how better collaboration and data exchange can contribute to the country's development,” she explained. 

The discussions went beyond the opportunities, risks and success factors for successful AI implementation in the public sector, to explore digital public infrastructure, data governance and systems thinking. Participants examined how existing institutional arrangements could support or hinder the adoption of AI and digital technologies. They were encouraged to question established processes and consider whether the solutions they proposed would address the challenges their institutions face. 

Speaking at the opening of the training, UNDP Ghana's Deputy Resident Representative, Shaima Hussein, called for greater investment in home-grown AI solutions that respond to Ghana's development priorities. 

“We need to support local solutions, local systems, and systems that speak to the needs of the country and respect its sovereignty,” she said. 

Her remarks brought a national perspective to the discussions, particularly as participants examined how their institutions could make better use of data, assess emerging technologies and develop solutions suited to Ghana's public sector. 

At the opening of the programme, Izumi Kume, Coordinator for Economic Cooperation at the Embassy of Japan, also spoke about the importance of capacity building and local ownership in advancing digital transformation. The Government of Japan's support for the initiative seeks to strengthen public sector capabilities and enable government institutions to make more effective use of digital technologies in serving citizens. 

Experts from KPMG also guided participants through the opportunities and risks associated with AI adoption, including its application in administrative processes. Their sessions explored issues such as data quality, accountability and human oversight, helping participants consider the practical implications of introducing AI into government operations. 

The importance of making informed AI procurement decisions was highlighted during a session led by Dr. Samuel Okai from the Bank of Ghana. Participants examined how government institutions can assess technology providers, test proposed solutions and protect sensitive institutional data before committing resources to new systems. 

For Paul Addo Mensah of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the session was a highlight of the training. 

“The AI Procurement session was particularly eye-opening for me. I learnt that a convincing demonstration doesn't necessarily mean a technology solution is right for your institution. You need to test its value, understand how your data will be protected and ensure it addresses the problem you're trying to solve,” he said. 

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, the Ministry's Director of Innovations, Emmanuel Ofori, challenged participants to look beyond acquiring new technologies and consider how they could improve the way their institutions operate. He encouraged them to identify existing bottlenecks, make better use of institutional data and return to their workplaces with practical ideas for change. 

“The success of this programme will be measured by the changes in your organization as a result of your participation in this training” he said, urging participants to put their new knowledge into practice. 

The three-day programme was designed not only to strengthen participants' individual capabilities but also to prepare them to share their knowledge with colleagues. Following the training, participants are expected to complete advanced self-paced modules through UNDP's Digital and AI Academy before undertaking peer-to-peer learning activities within their institutions. 

Rita Sam of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service shared that one lesson which stood out for her is: 

“We shouldn't purchase a digital system before we think about the users. The users should be involved in the decision-making process,” she observed. 

Her experience drew attention to the need for government institutions to involve users from the outset when investing in new technologies, ensuring that solutions respond to real needs rather than introducing systems that may be difficult to use or poorly suited to existing processes. 

Evans Ataya, an Information Technology and Management Information Systems (IT-MIS) Officer at the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, also shared how the training has inspired plans to strengthen digital capabilities within his institution. Beyond improving data quality and exploring how AI could support everyday operations, he hopes to make knowledge-sharing a regular activity. 

“With the approval of my director, I intend to organise in-house training, either biannually or quarterly, to help my colleagues understand how AI works, its practical uses, and how to apply it ethically,” he said.  

For Ghana's Digital & AI Champions, the work of turning new knowledge into meaningful institutional change is just beginning. Ghana's digital future will depend not only on the technologies government adopts, but on the people equipped to apply them effectively every day.