Ghana’s Digital Leap: Bridging Infrastructure Gaps and Embracing AI Innovation

Tag: General news

Source: https://thehighstreetjournal.com/ghanas-digital-leap/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR6UtqLjH8sYGPq_gkpkDzfSTR6KNcBVLni4BWGh45-VwQhjzoIPqL4d8AjMGg_aem_gld9e_DaM_HWzFCHWjBsFQ

Published On: March 24, 2025

Strategic investment in Digital Public Infrastructure and artificial intelligence in Ghana, needed to support the innovation space in the country.
 March 24, 2025
Ghana’s digital revolution is accelerating, calling for strategic investments in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to transform public service delivery and drive inclusive economic growth. Pioneering projects like the Ghana Card and mobile money interoperability are rapidly reshaping the digital landscape, positioning Ghana as a regional leader in digital finance and innovation.
Recent statistics reveal that nearly 60% of Ghanaians aged 15 and older now hold mobile money accounts—an essential driver of financial inclusion. Market research from IMARC Group estimates that Ghana’s mobile money market, valued at USD 192.24 billion in 2024, is projected to soar to USD 933.96 billion by 2033. This exponential growth is fueled by supportive regulatory measures, a robust telecom infrastructure, and widespread mobile usage.
Innovations such as the GhanaPostGPS system, which assigns unique digital addresses to every 5-square-meter area, are revolutionizing logistics and emergency response capabilities nationwide. These advances are key to enhancing service delivery and ensuring that digital services reach all corners of the country.
Despite these impressive strides, significant challenges remain. A pronounced digital divide exists as rural communities continue to face inadequate broadband connectivity and unreliable electricity. In addition, digital literacy gaps—especially among older citizens and residents in remote regions—limit full participation in the digital economy. Cybersecurity and data privacy have also become pressing issues, with the rapid adoption of digital systems exposing sensitive information to an increasing number of cyber threats. For instance, a recent hack of President John Dramani Mahama‘s official X account, which was used to promote a cryptocurrency, underscores the urgent need to strengthen cybersecurity frameworks and boost public awareness about data protection.
On the artificial intelligence front, Ghana is steadily climbing the ranks. The African Development Bank reports that AI adoption in Ghana has been growing at an estimated annual rate of 28% since 2017, with significant inroads in agriculture, fintech, and e-commerce. On the IMF’s AI Preparedness Index, Ghana ranks third among emerging market economies with a score of 0.43, trailing only Kenya (0.45) and Rwanda (0.44). This ranking reflects robust readiness for AI adoption, underpinned by advancements in digital infrastructure, human capital, and regulatory frameworks. 

The government has further set ambitious plans to position Ghana as Africa’s AI hub by 2028, as outlined in the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2023–2033, which focuses on expanding AI education, empowering youth, promoting digital inclusion, and enhancing data governance.
Adding momentum to this dynamic landscape, the upcoming Ghana AI Summit & Awards 2025—organized by Knowledge Innovations in partnership with industry leaders—will convene AI experts, policymakers, innovators, and business leaders on March 27 in Accra. The summit will explore how artificial intelligence can bridge existing gaps and drive sustainable development across critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, finance, and education. Its agenda includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops dedicated to enhancing digital literacy, fortifying cybersecurity, and fostering local AI innovation. An awards ceremony will also recognize outstanding achievements in AI, spotlighting initiatives that have significantly contributed to Ghana’s digital transformation.
Ghana’s journey toward a smarter, more inclusive digital future is well underway. By addressing infrastructural challenges, expanding digital skills, and promoting ethical AI practices, the nation will harness the full potential of artificial intelligence and cement its place as a leader in Africa’s digital economy.