The government of Ghana has announced a new directive aimed at strengthening data protection, cybersecurity, and local control over critical digital infrastructure. Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, made the announcement at the US Embassy AI Forum in Accra on October 2, 2026. The directive introduces a centralized technical review for all artificial intelligence (AI) systems acquired by public institutions. This move is expected to complement existing public procurement laws.
Under the new arrangement, the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations will coordinate technical requirements, while the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) will lead the technical scoping of proposed AI deployments. The government-acquired AI systems will be assessed against requirements covering interoperability, data protection, cybersecurity, sustainability, and local skills transfer. This approach aims to reduce dependence on individual technology vendors and ensure that investments in AI strengthen Ghana's data sovereignty and domestic technical capacity.
The directive is part of the implementation of Ghana's eight-pillar National Artificial Intelligence Strategy launched by President John Dramani Mahama. The strategy identifies sectors including finance, agriculture, fisheries, education, health, and communications for phased AI adoption. The government is also pursuing investments in an AI Compute Centre and upgrades to the National Data Centre. Additionally, the One Million Coders Programme has recorded more than 141,950 registrations.
The new directive is designed to ensure that AI systems acquired by public institutions meet specific technical requirements. This will help to prevent potential risks associated with AI adoption, such as data breaches and cybersecurity threats. The government hopes that this move will also promote local skills transfer and capacity building in the AI sector.
The implementation of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy is expected to be guided by a proposed 10-year National AI Delivery Framework. This framework will provide a long-term plan for the adoption and implementation of AI in Ghana. The government believes that AI has the potential to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for Ghanaians.
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, emphasized the importance of this directive in ensuring that Ghana's digital infrastructure is secure and reliable. He also highlighted the need for Ghana to develop its local technical capacity in the AI sector. This will enable the country to manage its AI systems effectively and make informed decisions about AI adoption.
The government of Ghana is committed to promoting the adoption of AI in various sectors. The new directive is a significant step towards achieving this goal. Key initiatives, including the AI Compute Centre, National Data Centre upgrades, and the One Million Coders Programme, are expected to support the growth of AI in Ghana.
Key points
- The government of Ghana introduces centralized technical review for AI systems acquired by public institutions.
- The directive aims to strengthen data protection, cybersecurity, and local control over critical digital infrastructure.
- The implementation of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy is expected to be guided by a proposed 10-year National AI Delivery Framework.
