The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has called for urgent and deliberate policy action to position Ghana and the African continent competitively within the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem.
Speaking at the Ishmael Yamson and Associates Round Table in Accra on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Sam George said the time for Africa to leverage AI to accelerate its economic and development agenda is long overdue.
He stressed that governments must play a critical role in creating robust ecosystems that support innovation and provide solutions to real-world challenges across the continent.
According to him, the future of global development lies in technology and artificial intelligence, making it necessary for African countries to take bold steps to participate actively in the AI revolution.
“The future of the world lies in the changing face of technology and Artificial Intelligence and as such, Africa must take bold steps to plug into that ecosystem to build its own innovations and unique platforms that better understand local contexts to push both national and continental advancement,” he said.
The Minister further emphasized the importance of data security and the need for policymakers to harness opportunities within the digital economy to drive innovation, create jobs, and build sustainable wealth.
He noted that Ghana is taking deliberate steps to develop and utilize its digital assets to support local innovators and entrepreneurs in creating solutions tailored to the country’s unique challenges while safeguarding national security.
Sam George also disclosed that the John Mahama-led administration is committed to fast-tracking key legislation and policies that place technology and advanced systems at the heart of Ghana’s economic transformation.
He asserted that the government sees technology as a critical driver of economic growth and is determined to create an enabling environment for innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in the digital economy.
“The John Mahama-led administration places significant value on its role as a facilitator of innovation and commerce in the local economy,” he said.
The Minister further revealed that the Ministry is reviewing and strengthening the legal frameworks governing its 15 agencies, including those responsible for data protection, cybersecurity, and information security, to ensure they are better equipped to respond to emerging technological trends.
“Through the ambit of the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, we are rewiring the legislative bills of all 15 agencies under it to empower such entities with the requisite regulatory framework to be on top of the game,” he added.
He explained that the reforms are intended to create a sustainable digital ecosystem that balances innovation with national security while promoting long-term wealth creation for stakeholders across the value chain.
The Minister further stated that strengthening the regulatory environment would enable Ghana to compete effectively in the global digital economy while supporting local businesses and technology-driven enterprises.
The event brought together business leaders, investors, state officials, and development professionals from Ghana and abroad to discuss issues affecting commerce, innovation, and sustainable economic development across Africa.
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Story by Sika Togoh | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
