Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has outlined plans to position Ghana as a powerhouse for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in West Africa.

He made this statement during a keynote address themed “Powering Innovations Through Partnerships” at the maiden MOBEX Africa Partnership Day, held on July 31, 2025, in Accra.

Central to this vision is the development of a US$1 billion Ghana-UAE Innovation and Technology Hub in Prampram. The hub is expected to host global tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Huawei, alongside local champions like Mobex Africa and Hubtel.

In his speech, the Minister emphasised that Ghana’s transformation will not rely solely on infrastructure but on people.

“We have launched the One Million Coders Programme to train one million Ghanaians, especially youth and women, in coding, AI, and emerging technologies over the next four years.

“This is not just about skills; it’s about economic liberation. It’s about equipping our young people to compete globally and create locally,” he stated.

The Minister further revealed that Ghana aims to become the AI Hub of West Africa through responsible, inclusive, and values-driven technology development.

As part of this effort, a national AI Boot Camp was recently organised for all Ministers of State to prepare every government department for AI integration.

He called for a “continental reset” to shift Africa “from digital dependence to digital determination,” and urged stakeholders to transform MOBEX Africa into a permanent, pan-African engine for digital collaboration.

“Let us invest in African innovation, not just by funding startups, but by enabling ecosystems. Let us build African digital infrastructure, not just roads and towers, but platforms and policies. Let us push for African digital inclusion, not as charity, but as strategy,” he emphasised.

Other key initiatives announced include the establishment of a National Data Exchange Hub to enable safe and transparent data sharing, and a comprehensive review of outdated ICT laws to future-proof Ghana’s digital ecosystem.

ID/MA