Govt to strengthen cybersecurity, pilot AI in five ministries
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has reiterated that Ghana will step up artificial intelligence deployment across key ministries and tighten cybersecurity measures following a series of attacks on government systems.
Addressing a stakeholder session on AI readiness at the Ministry of Finance, Mr George said recent breaches had targeted multiple state portals, including attempts to alter human resources databases.
He linked many of the incidents to lax cyber practices, such as logging into official email accounts on unsecured public devices.
The minister stated that his office will work with the Cyber Security Authority to enforce stricter security protocols, expand user training and ensure compliance with national cybersecurity standards.
He revealed that a pilot AI rollout will begin with five ministries: Finance, Interior, Lands and Natural Resources, Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations.
Deployment will be guided by assessments of each ministry’s digital maturity, with goals to digitise workflows, reduce inefficiencies and standardise data through the National Data Centre.
Mr George also highlighted the government’s cost-saving efforts, citing tens of millions of dollars saved through centralised Microsoft licensing deals. Similar consolidation of enterprise software contracts is planned to cut waste.
Upgrades to the National Data Centre are planned to meet rising hosting demands, with financing talks ongoing with the Finance Ministry.
The AI strategy review identified use cases for the pilot ministries, with implementation targeted for 2026.
The Minister urged the Finance Ministry to create a dedicated AI budget line in the 2026 fiscal year.
