Nation to mandate AI use in public sector by 2026
By Solomon Nartey Tetteh
The nation is moving to position itself as a continental leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the launch of a national strategy, new legislation and mandatory adoption measures for public institutions, as part of a wider digital transformation agenda.
Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, announced the plans in Accra while delivering the keynote address at the ENJOY AI 2025 African Open on behalf of sector minister Samuel Nartey George.
He disclosed that government is finalising a National AI Strategy to guide integration across key sectors including health, education, agriculture, security and public services.
Alongside this, an Emerging Technologies Bill is being drafted for Parliament to set standards and ensure the ethical use of AI, robotics and blockchain.
“Earlier this year, Ghana held its first AI Boot Camp for Cabinet Ministers to help leaders understand the opportunities and risks of AI,” Mr Sukparu revealed.
He revealed that from 2026, all government agencies will be required to adopt AI tools to boost efficiency and improve service delivery, following a presidential directive.
The Deputy Minister highlighted flagship programmes such as the One Million Coders initiative and the Girls-in-ICT project, which are training thousands of young people in coding, robotics and AI.
These, he said, are equipping the workforce for the demands of a rapidly changing digital economy.
Mr Sukparu stressed that the event was about more than robotics competitions.
“It is about imagination, teamwork and preparing the next generation of innovators,” he stated.
The Deputy Minister pointed to Africa’s demographic advantage, noting that by 2030, the continent’s youth will account for 42 per cent of the global youth population.
This year’s theme, ‘Chasing the Stars,’ he said, challenges young Africans to think ambitiously and use technology to tackle real-world problems.
Mr Sukparu also commended The MakersPlace Ghana, ENJOY AI and their partners for creating a platform that nurtures innovation, adding that the involvement of children highlights the need to encourage creativity from an early age.
