Ghana has called for stronger international partnerships in digital infrastructure

Ghana has called for stronger international partnerships and increased investment in digital infrastructure to ensure developing countries can benefit from advances in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, made the appeal at the Doha Ministerial Roundtable in Qatar.

He warned that a new digital divide is emerging between countries with access to computing power, quality data and advanced technology and those without the resources to develop them.

Mr George said talented young people in developing countries often struggle to turn their ideas into viable products because they lack access to computing infrastructure and financing.

He cited the example of a young innovator in Accra with a promising artificial intelligence idea but insufficient resources to develop and expand it.

“Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not,” the minister said.

He urged governments, development institutions and private companies to work together to address the financing and skills gaps that restrict participation in the digital economy.

Ghana called for cooperation that includes investment in infrastructure, technology transfer and the development of local skills.

Mr George said such partnerships should help developing countries build their own capacity to create technology, rather than depend solely on products and services developed elsewhere.

He also urged countries preparing the Doha Ministerial Declaration to ensure that it leads to practical partnerships capable of addressing infrastructure, financing and training needs.

The appeal comes as Ghana pursues a digitalization project and plans for a national AI computing center.

According to earlier government announcements, the digitalization project is valued at US$200 million, while Cabinet has approved US$250 million for the proposed National AI and Computing Centre.

The center is intended to provide researchers, universities, start-ups and other innovators with access to advanced computing infrastructure.

Ghana has also announced plans for a US$1 billion Ghana-UAE Innovation and Technology Hub at Dawa in the Greater Accra Region. The proposed project aims to attract technology businesses and support local innovation.

The government is seeking to expand high-speed connectivity, with Mr George projecting that Ghana could reach 70 per cent 5G population coverage by March 2027.

The One Million Coders Program is also intended to equip Ghanaians with digital skills, including coding, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data analytics.

At the Doha meeting, the minister said 11 universities had begun incorporating the prograe’s certification into their academic programs. He also highlighted Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2025 to 2035, which is intended to guide the responsible development and use of AI.

Mr George recently met a United States Embassy delegation led by diplomat Faris Asad to discuss potential cooperation in digital technology and investment.

The discussions covered data center development, possible partnerships with technology companies such as Amazon, and the expansion of cloud computing infrastructure through Amazon Web Services.

The two sides also explored opportunities for technology training, research and collaboration with Ghanaian educational institutions.

Omanghana is an online news portal that provides readers around the world with a greater focus on Ghana and other parts of Africa. Established in 2009, Omanghana regularly publishes articles related to News, Sports, and Entertainment.

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