Ghana is at a turning point in its artificial intelligence (AI) journey, and the upcoming AI Summit on March 27, 2025, presents a major opportunity to shape the country’s future in this fast-evolving field.
While the event is expected to bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers, AI expert Ethel Cofie believes it must go beyond discussions and lead to tangible commitments that will drive Ghana’s AI development forward.
For her, the key to Ghana’s AI success lies in establishing clear regulations, investing in local talent, and fostering homegrown AI innovations. Without these crucial steps, Ghana risks becoming overly dependent on foreign AI technologies that may not fully address the country’s unique challenges.
Cofie, CEO and Founder of EDEL Technology Consulting, an award-winning IT consulting firm operating in West Africa and Europe, has long championed AI-driven business and policy transformation. She is also the Founder of Women in Tech Africa, the largest women-in-tech network on the continent, with members across 30 African countries and the diaspora.
Ethel Cofie
Speaking in an interview with The High Street Journal ahead of the summit, she emphasized that Ghana must act decisively to regulate AI, develop AI talent, and ensure AI solutions are tailored to local needs rather than relying solely on imported technologies.
“The AI Summit is a great platform, bringing together different stakeholders. But it must not just be about discussions, we need clear commitments on AI regulations, investment in local AI talent, and strategies tailored to Ghana’s needs,” she said.
The Need for AI Governance and Ethical Regulations
As AI adoption increases in Ghana, so do concerns about how it is being deployed and governed. One of the biggest challenges, according to Cofie, is that many AI models used in the country are developed abroad. These models are trained on foreign datasets that do not always reflect Ghana’s realities, leading to biases in decision-making across industries.
“One major ethical issue with AI adoption in Ghana is that most AI models we use are developed outside the country. These models are trained on foreign data, which doesn’t always reflect our realities. This can lead to biases in decision-making, especially in recruitment, finance, and governance,” she explained.
Without strong AI governance frameworks, she warns, the country risks using AI systems that exclude certain groups from job opportunities, limit financial access, or introduce unfair decision-making in governance.
The Challenge of Developing and Retaining Talent
Beyond governance, Ghana’s AI future hinges on its ability to develop and retain AI talent. While the country has many young, tech-savvy individuals eager to enter the field, there is a significant gap between learning AI and applying it in real-world industries.
“Ghana has AI talent, but the real issue is whether we have the right environment to develop and retain this talent. Many professionals leave for better opportunities abroad, and that’s a challenge we need to address,” Cofie noted.
She stressed that if Ghana wants to be competitive in AI, it must create structured pathways for AI talent, ensuring that professionals have opportunities to work on real AI solutions within the country.
AI in Education
The conversation around AI is also shaping the education sector, with many teachers and policymakers concerned about students overly relying on AI tools. Some educators fear that excessive AI use could weaken students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Cofie acknowledges these concerns but insists that resisting AI is not the solution. Instead, Ghana must focus on teaching AI literacy and ensuring that students understand how to use AI as a tool for innovation rather than as a shortcut.
“There is concern among teachers that students are over-relying on AI, but the real issue isn’t whether AI should be used, it’s how we train students to use it effectively. AI literacy should be a priority, so students see it as a tool for innovation, not just a shortcut,” she said.
Which Sectors Should Ghana Focus on for AI Adoption?
While AI has potential across all industries, Cofie highlighted agriculture, finance, and healthcare as sectors where AI could have the most immediate and transformative impact in Ghana.
She explained that AI-driven insights in agriculture could help farmers make better decisions on climate conditions, soil quality, and pricing, ultimately improving food security and efficiency. In finance, AI can expand financial inclusion by making banking and lending more accessible, particularly for rural communities. In healthcare, AI-powered diagnostics and predictive analytics can enhance medical research and patient care.
“AI can be a game-changer for Ghana if applied strategically. In sectors like agriculture, finance, and healthcare, AI can solve real problems, helping farmers with climate insights, improving financial inclusion, and enhancing medical diagnostics,” she said.
Government vs. Private Sector: Who Should Take the Lead?
A key debate in AI development is whether the private sector or the government should take the lead in driving AI adoption. Some argue that the private sector is more agile and innovative, while others believe that AI requires strong government regulation to ensure ethical and responsible use.
Cofie believes that AI must be a collaborative effort between both sectors. While private companies will always move faster, she warns that AI is too powerful to be left without oversight.
“The private sector will always move faster, but AI is too powerful to be left without proper governance. The government must step in, not to slow things down, but to create policies, fund AI research, and ensure responsible AI deployment,” she said.
She also stressed that Ghana should not depend entirely on foreign tech companies for AI solutions. Instead, investing in local AI startups and innovation hubs is crucial to developing AI models that reflect Ghana’s specific needs.
While the AI Summit is a crucial step toward shaping Ghana’s AI future, Cofie believes that its success will depend on the concrete actions that follow. Discussions alone, she warns, are not enough; stakeholders must translate ideas into real-world policy changes, investments, and AI-driven industry solutions.
