By Ashiadey Dotse
President John Dramani Mahama has announced a $250 million investment to build a world-class artificial intelligence (AI) computing centre to drive Ghana’s digital transformation.
Speaking at the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in Accra on Friday, April 24, Mr. Mahama said the facility will serve as the backbone of the country’s AI development.
He explained that the proposed centre will act as a hub for research, innovation, and business growth, allowing Ghanaian experts to create solutions for both the local market and the wider African continent.
“The AI computing centre will serve as a nerve centre for research, innovation and enterprise,” the President said, adding that it will support local talent to compete globally.
In addition to the $250 million investment, Mr. Mahama announced a further $20 million to support the short- to medium-term implementation of the AI strategy. He described the combined funding as bold but necessary for Ghana’s long-term development.
The President stressed that government cannot achieve its AI goals alone and called for strong partnerships between the state, academia, industry, civil society, and development partners.
He acknowledged the support of several institutions that contributed to the strategy, including the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, the UK High Commission, GIZ, the United Nations group, and the Responsible AI Lab at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
Mr. Mahama outlined key areas of the strategy, such as ethical AI development, education and skills training, industrial innovation, data governance, research, and improved public services.
He said building capacity is critical to the success of the plan, noting that skilled people, strong institutions, and reliable systems are needed to drive AI growth.
The President also highlighted the importance of digital infrastructure, comparing it to roads, railways, and power systems that supported development in the past.
“Data, computing power, connectivity, and energy are now as important to the digital age,” he said.
Mr. Mahama added that the government is investing in strong digital systems to support the growing demand for AI technologies.
“We are building deliberately because infrastructure is the foundation upon which innovation rests,” he stated.
