Ghana reaffirms commitment to African Ownership of AI development
Date: 2025-11-17
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Ghana
has reiterated its determination to ensure that Africa takes full ownership of
its artificial intelligence future, as Deputy Minister for Communication,
Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, delivered the
keynote address at TechExpo Africa 2025 in Accra.
Speaking
on behalf of sector Minister Samuel Nartey George, the Deputy Minister
underscored the need for Africa to move beyond being a passive consumer of
imported AI technologies. Addressing the theme, “The Future of AI in Africa:
Who Holds the Power to Decide?”, he said the continent must adopt deliberate
measures to influence how AI is designed, deployed and governed.
Deputy
Minister Sukparu outlined Ghana’s progress in digital transformation under
President John Dramani Mahama, pointing to ongoing efforts to expand broadband
infrastructure, improve e-governance systems and enhance digital inclusion
nationwide. He also highlighted Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence
Strategy, which he said provides a strong foundation for ethical development,
data protection, privacy and responsible innovation that aligns with the
country’s development needs.
He
called for increased support for local innovators and a strengthened regulatory
environment to ensure AI systems are transparent and accountable. Collaboration
between government, the private sector, academic institutions and development
partners, he said, is vital to building Africa’s technological sovereignty.
The
Deputy Minister also emphasised the importance of investing in homegrown AI
solutions that reflect African realities, noting that the continent’s ability
to shape its digital future hinges on inclusive policymaking and public
participation in setting ethical standards for AI use.
He
also acknowledged the contributions of the African diaspora, describing
TechExpo Africa as a practical platform where global expertise and local talent
converge to drive innovation. He urged African institutions, including ECOWAS
and the African Union, to step up collaborative efforts to secure an AI future
built on African values, equity and shared prosperity.
