Gillian Hammah calls for national data cleanup to unlock AI potential

Dr. Gillian Hammah, CEO of GradePoint AI, has urged the government to implement a nationwide data-cleaning initiative to enable the effective use of artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking at the Step Up Executive Breakfast Series, she highlighted that Ghana’s current reliance on paper-based documentation and inconsistent record-keeping acts as a major barrier to technological advancement. She emphasized that leadership in the AI era requires a fundamental shift in how the state manages its information assets.

To address these challenges, Hammah proposed that each government ministry be mandated to organize and digitize its records within a three-to-six-month window. This effort would focus on harmonizing databases and ensuring data accuracy across various sectors. She argued that without a standardized digital foundation, the potential for AI to drive efficiency in public administration and service delivery will remain untapped, as the technology depends entirely on the quality of the data it processes.

Regarding investment strategy, the GradePoint AI founder cautioned against trying to replicate large-scale models like ChatGPT. She noted that given Ghana’s resource constraints, it would be more pragmatic to adapt existing AI technologies to address local needs rather than building foundations from scratch. Specifically, she advocated for the development of smaller, specialized models tailored to the healthcare and agriculture sectors, where they could offer targeted solutions for food production and medical diagnostics.

Hammah also underscored the global significance of local data, noting that sharing standardized datasets with international developers could improve health research for conditions affecting Black populations. By prioritizing data hygiene and sector-specific AI applications, she believes Ghana can navigate the AI era effectively, moving from fragmented data silos to a cohesive digital ecosystem that supports indigenous innovation and long-term economic growth.