The government is expected to set up a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre by next year as part of plans to bring emerging technologies into Ghana’s economic transformation agenda, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has indicated.
The proposed centre is expected to be included in the 2027 Budget Statement, which is scheduled to be presented to Parliament on Thursday, November 12.
Dr Ato Forson said Ghana needs to prepare itself to benefit from fast-changing technology, especially Artificial Intelligence, which is increasingly reshaping key parts of the economy.
During an interactive discussion about the New Economy with students and members of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) community, he pointed to AI’s growing use in areas such as healthcare, including medical diagnosis and analysis.
He said new technologies are changing how important services are provided and stressed that Ghana cannot afford to fall behind in adopting them.
The Finance Minister called for focused policies and investment to develop Ghana’s AI ecosystem and build local skills so the country can make the most of the opportunities this technology offers.
He said adopting scientific progress and technological innovation is essential to reshaping the economy, raising productivity and strengthening Ghana’s position in the global economy.
“Another set up for next year is going to be a national artificial intelligence center. To connect technology economy to the real economy. These days medical diagnosis are being done through AI analysis. These days, a lot more are being done through the AI analysis, and, uh, Ghana must catch up and do more,” he said.