By: Jennifer Frimpong Wiredu
Ghana’s drive toward a digitally empowered public sector is gaining momentum as more than 120 civil servants complete an intensive Artificial Intelligence literacy training programme designed to improve governance, innovation and service delivery across state institutions.
The three-day training programme, organised by government in partnership with UNESCO and the European Union, forms part of broader efforts to integrate Artificial Intelligence into public administration and accelerate Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.
At the closing ceremony of the UNESCO AI Literacy Training for Civil Servants, participants, government officials and development partners reflected on the growing importance of AI in shaping the future of governance and public service delivery.
UNESCO AI Expert, Dr. Kwame Ahiabenu, described Artificial Intelligence as a transformative force already impacting every aspect of society and emphasised the urgent need for public servants to acquire the right skills to navigate the technology responsibly.
According to him, the training was designed not only to build technical understanding, but also to promote ethical and responsible use of AI tools in decision-making and service delivery. He noted that the programme equips participants with practical knowledge that can improve efficiency, enhance productivity and support quality public service delivery.
Dr. Ahiabenu said feedback from participants shows the programme has been highly successful, with trainees expected to transfer the knowledge acquired into their various workplaces to support Ghana’s national AI agenda.
A participant from the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Richard Esuman, described the training as impactful, particularly in the area of AI governance and responsible usage. He noted that the programme has deepened participants’ understanding of how AI tools should be applied ethically and effectively within the public sector.
The training forms part of the implementation of Ghana’s National AI Strategy, which seeks to position the country among Africa’s leading nations in responsible AI adoption and innovation. The initiative is also expected to strengthen institutional capacity and ensure that emerging technologies are used to improve the lives of citizens through more efficient and responsive public service delivery.
As Ghana continues to embrace Artificial Intelligence as a tool for national development, stakeholders say building the capacity of public servants remains critical to ensuring that technology is deployed responsibly, inclusively and sustainably.
