By Rebecca Ampah
Cybersecurity Expert, David Gyedu has called for a comprehensive transformation of Ghana’s education system, beginning from the basic level, to enable the country catch up in the global innovation race.
Speaking during a discussion on GTV’s Breakfast Show on the topic “Ghana and the Global Competition: Why Ghana is Behind in Innovation,” Mr. Gyedu stressed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) must be taught from the basic school level, as other countries have already advanced in early-stage technology education.
According to him, “AI is being taught at the basic level in other countries. AI should be a course in our basic schools because there are even tertiary students who do not understand AI. Even secondary schools should have AI laboratories.”
The cybersecurity expert expressed concern about Ghana’s highly theoretical education system, which he believes stifles innovation.
“The type of education is one cause. The theory is too much. It has gotten to where we need more technical training. Our courses have to change.There is a gap in terms of our training for the youth. We have very vibrant youth but the training system is not helping.”
He warned that Ghana risks falling further behind if foundational technology education continues to be neglected. “We have introduced new technologies but the people to handle them are not available because they didn’t get the training from the basic level,” he said.
Mr. Gyedu highlighted several factors slowing Ghana’s technological growth.
“One challenge is that most technocrats tend to travel right after they gain the skills,” he said.
A more pressing issue, he explained, is the infrastructure gap. “Till now we are still heavily relying on Western technologies. Most of the technical equipment we use are from the Western world.”
He further cautioned that Ghana’s growing dependence on foreign solutions continues to undermine local innovation capacity.
“Ghana needs to catch up,” he stressed.
He noted that while AI is rapidly evolving globally, “we do not have a Ghanaian AI which can educate people on our culture. But Western countries are visible on AI.”
Beyond infrastructure and education, Gyedu pointed to cultural attitudes as a major barrier to innovation.
“Our culture is also one barrier to innovation, the fear to fail. People waiting for your downfall discourages people.”
He added that resistance to new ideas remains a challenge, saying, “Some people still think technology is something to control our minds.”
David Gyedu emphasised that building a robust technology ecosystem requires collective action.
“This is not just the responsibility of the government but a collaborative effort,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to revisit the curriculum: “Let’s go to our syllables from the basic schools. We need to prioritize technology education.”
He added that when the system is ready for technological advancement, “the government will support.”
Gyedu believes Ghana has the human capital needed to excel.
“Ghana has the talent; what we lack is supportive structures. We need to strengthen the startup ecosystem and adapt emerging technologies.”
Innovation, he said, begins with “mindset, skills, innovation and cybersecurity.”
He concluded with a hopeful projection that,
“If we can invest in our young ones today, Ghana can lead Africa in tech tomorrow.”
