Sam George announces appointment of AI focal persons in all ministries

The Government of Ghana has designated specific AI focal persons within every ministry to spearhead the integration of artificial intelligence into public institutions. Announced by Minister Sam George, this initiative is a central pillar of the nation’s broader AI strategy, designed to modernize governance and boost economic productivity across the state sector. The move signals a concerted effort to transition from traditional administrative frameworks to data-driven digital systems that can better serve the public.

To ensure the success of this transition, the government has already conducted foundational training for cabinet ministers, with specialized training for senior civil servants scheduled to follow. These efforts are being supported by a comprehensive AI readiness assessment carried out in collaboration with UNESCO. This evaluation aims to identify the specific needs and technological gaps within various state agencies, ensuring that the deployment of AI tools is both strategic and effective across different branches of government.

Parallel to human resource development, the government is committing US$250 million toward building critical digital infrastructure. This investment will fund the establishment of a national data exchange hub and a national AI compute center. These facilities are expected to provide the necessary processing power and data-sharing capabilities required to support advanced AI applications, ranging from automated public services to complex economic modeling.

The initiative comes as stakeholders prepare for a national forum titled ‘AI and the Ghana Economy: Opportunity or Disruption?’ which will explore the potential impact of these technologies on the domestic job market and economic growth. By embedding AI focal persons into the ministerial structure, the government aims to create a sustainable framework for technological adoption that prioritizes both efficiency and long-term digital development.