President John Dramani Mahama has announced a $250 million government investment to establish a world-class Artificial Intelligence (AI) computing centre as part of efforts to position Ghana as a leader in emerging technologies.
Speaking at the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy on Friday, April 24, the President said the facility will serve as the backbone of Ghana’s AI development agenda.
“I am pleased to announce major financial commitments towards our AI agenda. Ghana will invest $250 million to establish a world-class AI computing centre,” he stated.
He explained that the centre will function as a hub for research, innovation and enterprise, enabling Ghanaian talent to develop solutions not only for the local market but also for the wider African continent.
“The proposed AI computing centre will serve as a nerve centre for research, innovation and enterprise, enabling Ghanaian talent to build solutions not only for our country but also for the wider African continent,” he said.
In addition, President Mahama announced a further $20 million allocation to support the short- to medium-term implementation of the National AI Strategy, describing the combined investment as critical to Ghana’s long-term development.
“These investments are bold but necessary,” he emphasised.
The President stressed that achieving the country’s AI ambitions will require strong collaboration across sectors, including government, academia, industry, civil society and development partners.
“Success will require strong partnerships among the state, academia, civil society, industry and our development partners,” he noted.
He acknowledged contributions from key stakeholders involved in developing the strategy, including the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, international partners such as the UK High Commission, GIZ, the United Nations, and the Responsible AI Lab at KNUST.
President Mahama outlined key pillars of the strategy, including ethical AI development, education and skills training, industrial innovation, data governance, research, and improved public sector services.
He underscored the importance of capacity building, noting that skilled human resources, strong institutions and reliable infrastructure are essential for the success of the AI agenda.
“At the heart of all these pillars is one imperative: capacity. Without skilled people, strong institutions, secure infrastructure and sound governance, no AI strategy can succeed,” he said.
The President also highlighted the strategic importance of digital infrastructure, likening it to traditional development assets such as roads and energy systems.
“Data, computing power, connectivity and energy are now as strategic to the digital age as roads, ports, railways and power plants were in earlier eras,” he added.
He assured that government is deliberately strengthening Ghana’s digital backbone to support innovation and meet the growing demands of artificial intelligence systems.
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