President John Dramani Mahama has announced a $250 million government investment to establish a world-class artificial intelligence (AI) computing centre, aimed at positioning Ghana as a leader in emerging technologies.
He described the initiative as a major step toward building a robust digital economy.
Speaking at the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy on Friday, April 24, the President disclosed that Ghana will invest $250 million to establish a world-class AI centre
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According to him, the facility will serve as a hub for research, innovation, and enterprise, enabling Ghanaian talent to develop solutions not only for the local market but across Africa.
“The proposed AI computing centre will serve as a nerve centre for research, innovation and enterprise, enabling Ghanaian talent to build solutions not only for our country but also for the wider African continent,” he added.
Beyond the flagship project, President Mahama also announced an additional $20 million to support the short- to medium-term implementation of the National AI Strategy.
“These investments are bold but necessary,” he emphasized, noting that the combined funding is critical to Ghana’s long-term technological advancement.
The President stressed that the government alone cannot deliver the AI agenda, calling for strong partnerships among academia, industry, civil society, and development partners.
“Success will require strong partnerships among the state, academia, civil society, industry, and our development partners,” he said.
He acknowledged contributions from key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, led by Samuel Nartey George, as well as international institutions such as the UK High Commission, GIZ, the United Nations system, and the Responsible AI Lab at KNUST.
President Mahama outlined the core pillars underpinning the National AI Strategy, including ethical AI development, education and skills training, industrial innovation, data governance, research and development, and enhanced public sector service delivery.
He emphasized that capacity building remains central to the strategy’s success.
“At the heart of all these pillars is one imperative: capacity. Without skilled people, strong institutions, secure infrastructure, and sound governance, no AI strategy can succeed,” he said.
The President stressed the importance of digital infrastructure, likening it to traditional development assets such as roads, ports, and energy systems.
“Data, computing power, connectivity, and energy are now as strategic to the digital age as roads, ports, railways, and power plants were in earlier eras of development,” he noted.
He added that the government is deliberately strengthening Ghana’s digital backbone to meet the growing demands of AI technologies.