Ghana targets homegrown AI solutions, not rivalry with US, China – Ato Forson
Ghana is looking to develop artificial intelligence (AI) tools that solve local problems rather than compete with the advanced technology industries of the United States and China, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has said.
He said the proposed National Artificial Intelligence Centre would concentrate on practical applications that could improve services and support professionals in key sectors, particularly healthcare.
Dr Forson explained that the government was not seeking to build a system capable of matching the global technology giants but wanted Ghana to develop its own capacity to use AI to meet its needs.
“We don’t intend to challenge China or America, but we want to modestly have our own AI system,” he said in an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on Friday, November 13.
He cited healthcare as one area where the technology could make a difference, saying doctors should be able to use AI tools to support their work.
“The intention is to pay particular attention to certain models. Healthcare, for example. Doctors, for example, should be able to use artificial intelligence to assist them in their work, among other models,” he added.
His comments offer further insight into the government's plans for the proposed centre, which was announced in the 2027 Budget presented to Parliament on Thursday, November 12.
Under the technology pillar of the government's New Economy programme, an investment of US$300 million is planned between 2027 and 2028 to establish the centre and upgrade rural mobile networks from 2G to reliable 4G connectivity.
The centre is expected to provide computing facilities, secure data environments, research laboratories and infrastructure for testing AI models. It will also offer professional training and support for start-ups.
According to the budget, the facility will give Ghanaian businesses, universities, researchers and public institutions access to computing resources that would be too costly for many of them to acquire independently.
Focus on local needs
Healthcare is not the only sector expected to benefit from the initiative.
The government has identified agriculture, energy, mining, logistics, Ghanaian languages and public services as areas for AI development.
In agriculture, for instance, AI tools could help farmers access useful information and improve decision-making, while applications in public services could support the delivery of services and administrative processes.
The emphasis on Ghanaian languages is also significant, as locally developed tools could help address the limitations of digital platforms that do not adequately serve people who communicate mainly in local languages.
The budget also makes provision for practical training in software development, data analytics, artificial intelligence, computer networks and digital business services to prepare young people for jobs and business opportunities in the technology sector.
Rural connectivity in the plan
The planned upgrade of rural 2G networks to 4G is another major component of the investment.
Presenting the budget, Dr Forson said improved connectivity would allow farmers to receive weather and market information, make digital payments and reach buyers.
It would also enable rural health facilities to access telehealth services, students to use online learning materials and small businesses to reach customers beyond their communities.
The government says the objective is to ensure that a person's location does not prevent them from accessing modern digital services or participating in the emerging technology economy.
The AI centre and network upgrade form part of the four-year US$10 billion New Economy programme, which will run from 2027 to 2030.
The programme has eight priority areas, including commercial agriculture, energy infrastructure, value addition to critical minerals, tourism and creative arts, textiles and garments, pharmaceuticals and biomanufacturing, and the technology economy.
Government has earmarked GH¢30 billion for the programme in 2027, representing 1.5 per cent of gross domestic product.
The broader ambition is to expand domestic production, strengthen local industries and create jobs.
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