Economic Adviser to the President, Seth Terkper, has called for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into Ghana’s existing government systems to improve efficiency and public service delivery.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Staff at the opening of Vecta Africa AI Week on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, Terkper said Ghana’s AI development should not focus only on creating new applications while ignoring the systems already operating within government institutions.

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He noted that several investments had already been made in areas including taxation, public financial management, education and other government services, and said these systems should be upgraded to work with newer AI technologies.

“We need to sustain the investments we are making in many technology-based systems. We should upgrade our legacy systems and bring information into the AI space,” he said.

Terkper explained that AI could help government institutions make better use of information, improve decision-making and address some of the inefficiencies affecting public service delivery.

He said businesses could also use AI to better understand customer needs, detect fraud, assess risks and reduce costs, while farmers could benefit from information on weather, pests and markets to improve their decision-making.

“A business that better assesses demand, serves customers, prevents fraud or assesses failures becomes more competitive. A farmer with reliable information on weather, pests and markets can make better decisions,” he said.

According to him, AI could also strengthen Ghana’s response to climate-related challenges by improving the use of early warning systems and weather information.

He cited the need for the government to act on weather forecasts before disasters occur, arguing that technology should help institutions prepare for challenges instead of responding only after they have happened.

Terkper also identified public infrastructure and services as important areas where AI could make a difference, particularly in addressing slow processes, fragmented information and weak service delivery.

He said Ghana must therefore ensure that its existing technology investments do not become outdated but are continuously improved and connected to new systems.

“The government of Ghana is prepared to lead, enable and be held accountable. We are prepared to work with private sector leaders, investors, economic partners, civil society and young people who are ready to build,” he said.

Terkper said the effective use of AI in government would ultimately help improve productivity, strengthen public institutions and make services more responsive to the needs of citizens.

ANAS/MA

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