The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, has called for urgent action to strengthen Ghana’s preparedness for artificial intelligence (AI) adoption while implementing cost-saving reforms in information technology operations.
Speaking at a stakeholder session on AI readiness for selected ministries at the Ministry of Finance, Hon. George disclosed that recent cyberattacks had targeted multiple government portals, including attempts to manipulate human resource databases.
He attributed the incidents to poor personal cyber hygiene, citing cases where officials logged into government email accounts on unsecured public devices.
“We will be working closely with the Cyber Security Authority to enforce stronger security protocols, enhance user training, and ensure compliance with national standards”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations
He explained that the AI rollout would begin with five priority ministries – Finance, Interior, Lands and Natural Resources, Fisheries and Aquaculture, and his own Ministry , with solutions tailored to the operational requirements of each institution.
According to him, this phased deployment would be preceded by digital maturity assessments to ensure that systems are capable of handling the transition.
“The Minister stressed that the aim was to reduce inefficiencies, digitise workflows, and cut delays in service delivery”
Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations
Backbone for Digital Services
The ministry noted that successful deployment would require data standardisation and full utilisation of Ghana’s National Data Centre, which would serve as the backbone for integrated and secure digital services.
Highlighting cost-saving successes, Hon. George pointed to centralised licensing agreements with Microsoft that have already saved the country tens of millions of dollars. He revealed that the government planned to consolidate other enterprise software contracts in a similar manner to eliminate wasteful spending.
“We have demonstrated that centralised arrangements work, and we are committed to expanding this approach to cover more areas”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations
Addressing infrastructure needs, the Hon. George announced that the National Data Centre would undergo an upgrade to meet growing hosting demands. He said discussions with the Ministry of Finance were ongoing to secure funding for the project.
The meeting also reviewed the summary of the National AI Strategy and identified use-cases for the five pilot ministries. Implementation is scheduled to begin in 2026. Hon. George urged the Ministry of Finance to create a “dedicated budget line for AI deployment in the 2026 fiscal year,” to ensure resources are available for full execution.
He emphasised that the adoption of AI would position Ghana to modernise its public sector, enhance efficiency, and strengthen competitiveness in the global digital economy.
Hon. George called on all government institutions to view the initiative as a necessary step toward future-proofing national operations.
READ MORE: UK Economy Grows Faster Than Expected In Second Quarter
