Samuel Nartey George targets AI facility phase one within 24 months

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has announced that the first phase of Ghana’s national computing and data center facility is scheduled for completion within the next 24 months. Speaking at the JoyNews Digital Economy Forum, the Minister outlined the project as a foundational pillar for the country’s technological sovereignty, specifically aimed at fostering a robust ecosystem for artificial intelligence (AI) development. The facility is expected to serve as a critical resource for local researchers, universities, and private sector industry players.

A primary objective of the new infrastructure is to reduce Ghana’s current dependence on expensive foreign computing and data services. By providing localized high-performance computing resources, the government aims to lower the barrier to entry for AI innovation and ensure that sensitive data remains within national borders. Minister George noted that the facility will provide the essential hardware and processing power required to train complex AI models, which is currently a significant cost burden for Ghanaian tech startups and academic institutions.

The project has already moved into the execution phase, with the government currently engaged in procurement processes through the Public Procurement Authority (PPA). These efforts are focused on securing the specialized data center equipment and advanced server infrastructure necessary to support high-intensity computing tasks. The Minister emphasized that these administrative steps are being fast-tracked to meet the two-year deadline for the initial phase of the project.

While describing the project as a major milestone, Minister George cautioned that the completion of the first phase is only the beginning of a longer journey toward digital self-sufficiency. He indicated that while the facility provides a significant foundational step, it will not offer a complete solution for all of Ghana's AI needs immediately. Sustained policy implementation and further rounds of investment will be required to expand the facility’s capabilities and ensure it keeps pace with rapidly evolving global technological standards.