Ghana must adopt a national AI policy to integrate AI into governance, education, and industry, ensuring economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness, says Prof. Enoch Opoku Antwi
The future of Ghana‘s development hinges on a proactive government approach to artificial intelligence (AI), according to Dean of Business Administration & Communications Arts at Academic City University, Accra, Ghana, Professor Enoch Opoku Antwi, an AI expert and academic.
In an exclusive interview with THSJ, he underscored the need for a well-structured national framework to integrate AI into the country’s economic and social policies. 

Speaking about the potential of AI in Ghana, Prof. Antwi painted a vivid picture of a world where AI-driven solutions enhance governance, healthcare, education, and industry. However, he cautioned that without a deliberate strategy from the government, the nation risks being left behind in the global digital revolution.

“Taiwan has made it mandatory for everyone below 40 years to learn AI. That is a nation preparing for the future. Ghana cannot afford to lag. We need a policy-driven approach to AI adoption,” he stressed.

“AI is about transparency and efficiency. If integrated into government operations, it can help eliminate corruption and improve service delivery. But we need clear policies, investments, and a workforce equipped with AI knowledge,” he explained.

He called for a curriculum overhaul to include AI training from the basic school level, similar to global trends where countries are embedding AI literacy into early education. “If we train our youth in AI now, we position them to lead in the coming years rather than just being consumers of foreign technology,” he added.

AI and the Job Market: Threat or Opportunity?

With growing fears that AI will replace human jobs, Prof. Antwi countered that AI should be seen as an enabler rather than a threat. “People are afraid AI will take jobs, but what it does is create new opportunities. The challenge is whether our workforce is equipped to transition into AI-powered roles,” he remarked.

He pointed to the health sector as an example, highlighting how AI could assist in diagnosing diseases, managing patient records, and optimizing healthcare delivery. “With our doctor-to-patient ratio, AI can be a game changer in providing medical assistance in rural areas,” he emphasized.

Beyond healthcare, he mentioned AI’s role in agriculture, where machine learning and predictive analytics can help farmers optimize yields, detect diseases, and manage resources efficiently. In manufacturing, AI-powered automation could boost productivity and competitiveness.

AI Adoption in Higher Education

Reflecting on Ghana’s education system, Prof. Antwi acknowledged the progress made by some institutions, such as Academic City University, which now offers AI-related bachelor programs. However, he noted that AI education in Ghana is still in its infancy and called for a broader institutional push.

“Universities must not only teach AI theory but also provide practical exposure. AI is expensive, but if institutions collaborate with industry players and the government, we can create labs and incubation centers for hands-on learning,” he proposed.

As Ghana navigates its digital transformation journey, Prof. Antwi reiterated the urgency of government intervention in AI adoption. “We need policies, infrastructure, and human capital development. Without these, AI will remain a buzzword rather than a catalyst for real change,” he cautioned.

The Role of Government in AI Development

According to Prof. Antwi, Ghana must move beyond fragmented AI discussions and establish a concrete national policy that fosters AI education, research, and implementation. He argued that a comprehensive government framework would not only attract investment into the AI sector but also ensure AI is used ethically and effectively to drive national progress.
“AI is about transparency and efficiency. If integrated into government operations, it can help eliminate corruption and improve service delivery. But we need clear policies, investments, and a workforce equipped with AI knowledge,” he explained.

He called for a curriculum overhaul to include AI training from the basic school level, similar to global trends where countries are embedding AI literacy into early education. “If we train our youth in AI now, we position them to lead in the coming years rather than just being consumers of foreign technology,” he added.

AI and the Job Market: Threat or Opportunity?

With growing fears that AI will replace human jobs, Prof. Antwi countered that AI should be seen as an enabler rather than a threat. “People are afraid AI will take jobs, but what it does is create new opportunities. The challenge is whether our workforce is equipped to transition into AI-powered roles,” he remarked.

He pointed to the health sector as an example, highlighting how AI could assist in diagnosing diseases, managing patient records, and optimizing healthcare delivery. “With our doctor-to-patient ratio, AI can be a game changer in providing medical assistance in rural areas,” he emphasized.

Beyond healthcare, he mentioned AI’s role in agriculture, where machine learning and predictive analytics can help farmers optimize yields, detect diseases, and manage resources efficiently. In manufacturing, AI-powered automation could boost productivity and competitiveness.

AI Adoption in Higher Education

Reflecting on Ghana’s education system, Prof. Antwi acknowledged the progress made by some institutions, such as Academic City University, which now offers AI-related bachelor programs. However, he noted that AI education in Ghana is still in its infancy and called for a broader institutional push.

“Universities must not only teach AI theory but also provide practical exposure. AI is expensive, but if institutions collaborate with industry players and the government, we can create labs and incubation centers for hands-on learning,” he proposed.

As Ghana navigates its digital transformation journey, Prof. Antwi reiterated the urgency of government intervention in AI adoption. “We need policies, infrastructure, and human capital development. Without these, AI will remain a buzzword rather than a catalyst for real change,” he cautioned.