Ghana has partnered with Japan, the United Nations (UN), and the World Health Organization (WHO) to launch an initiative aimed at promoting the advancement of Artificial Intelligence, Peace, and Healthcare. The launch of the event was hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The launch comprised three key developmental initiatives under Japan’s Fiscal Year Supplementary Budget, which seeks to promote peace, digital advancement, and health innovation.
The project focuses on attaining the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Nexus in Bawku. The program also seeks to enhance Public Sector Digital Transformation through capacity building and harnessing Artificial Intelligence to promote health delivery.
The Artificial Intelligence systems will not only enhance health outcomes it will also be able to tackle the likelihood of risks that hinder human security. The project is being implemented by the governments of Ghana and Japan in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the World Health Organization, with a combined investment of about US$1.5 million.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in his speech, opined that the intervention depicts the mutual commitments to peace, shared prosperity, and sustainable innovation. He asserted that the strategy is in line with Ghana’s priorities in resolving conflicts and promoting peaceful coexistence between people in the country.
The Minister further shed light on the importance of ensuring peace and stability in Bawku. Highlighting the peace-keeping initiatives deployed to promote peace in Bawku.
Healthcare
He explained that the government is instituting an integrated “humanitarian-development-peace” technique, which constitutes reconciliation, reconstruction, and long-lasting community resilience.
The National Security Adviser, Honorable Prosper Douglas Bani, stressed the fact that, for peace to be sustained, there is a need for interaction, trust-building, and participatory development. He labelled the agenda as one that supports mediation efforts and solidifies local peace measures.
Also in attendance was the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Honorable Samuel Nartey George. He spoke about the transformative capabilities of Artificial Intelligence when applied to public management and policy implementation.
Ghana To Launch National Artificial Intelligence Strategy
Honorable Samuel Nartey George stated that Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy has received Cabinet endorsement and is programmed for launch next week. He further added that it will play a significant role in equipping state-owned institutions with the ability to implement Artificial Intelligence ethically in ensuring effectiveness and efficiency in their delivery of services.
The Ambassador of Japan to Ghana, His Excellency Hiroshi Yoshimoto, noted that the launch of the program portrays strong bilateral relations that exist between Ghana and Japan. He further assured the people of Japan to help Ghana implement human-centered interventions that will put people first in peace-building initiatives.
AI For Health Initiative
A statement delivered on behalf of the Health Minister, Kwabena Minkah Akandoh, appreciated the need for AI to be embedded into health delivery systems. The AI for Health strategy will lead to the advancement of Ghana’s health system in improving disease surveillance and promoting the ability to detect diseases in a timely manner.
The AI for Health will enhance a more adaptable, fair, and technology-focused health sector and also promote human security and data protection.
Furthermore, the United Nations Development Program resident for Ghana, in the person of Mr. Niloy Banerjee, expressed his appreciation towards Japan for their continual assistance. He mentioned that the three schemes illustrate how innovation, negotiation, and resilience could be implemented to improve lives.
The World Health Organization Ghana country Representative, Dr. Fiona Braka, reaffirmed the commitment of the WHO in helping Ghana’s AI for Health strategy. He further mentioned that even though AI is good in ensuring quality health delivery, it must center around the well-being of people, that is, people-focused.
She went on to say that Ghana, in championing the AI for Health strategy, will be a model for other countries on the African continent. Other African countries will deploy similar strategies due to the implementation by Ghana.
Among the attendees was the UN Resident Coordinator for Ghana, Mr. Zia Choudhury. He applauded the initiative and opined that projects contribute to thirteen of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals. He reiterated the support of the UN to Ghana to help establish strong institutions, protect the disadvantaged groups, and promote development through continual partnership with Ghana.
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