Ghana Bolsters Public Sector AI Capabilities through Targeted Training Program
In a significant move towards enhancing efficiency, transparency, and evidence-based policymaking, Ghana is set to equip its senior government officials with tailored Artificial Intelligence (AI) knowledge through the AI Capacity-Building Bootcamp Workshop for Cabinet Ministers. This strategic initiative forms part of Ghana's broader effort to accelerate public sector AI readiness and align national priorities with the digital age [1][3].
The workshop, scheduled to take place soon, is designed to equip ministers with sector-specific AI strategies and their application in public service delivery. AI is positioned as a catalyst to enhance government operations, decision-making, and service delivery, ultimately benefiting the public through smarter, data-driven governance [1][3].
A preparatory step for the bootcamp involves a foundational AI training for designated focal persons from various Sector Ministries and Key Institutions. The training, conducted by the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, aims to position these participants as internal champions for the successful integration of AI within their institutions [3][5].
The Honourable Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, revealed that he was subsequently tasked to lead the national effort to spearhead Ghana's digital transformation agenda and build institutional capacity to harness the full potential of emerging technologies, especially Artificial Intelligence [4].
The Minister emphasized that while introducing all Sector Ministers to the basics of AI is important, the long-term success of the initiative will depend on well-prepared focal persons across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) [3][6]. The Minister further stated that the session followed the recent Ministerial Executive Leadership Programme (ELP) in Ada, where consensus was reached on the urgency of using AI for the effective and efficient delivery of the Government's Reset Agenda [2].
The formulation of AI strategies will help move innovation and data-driven decision-making beyond rhetoric, ultimately leading to improved public service delivery through AI tools and solutions [1]. The long-term success of the initiative will depend on the effective implementation of these strategies across various sectors, including health, education, infrastructure, and more [1][3].
In conclusion, the AI Capacity-Building Bootcamp Workshop for Cabinet Ministers is a critical step in Ghana's national AI strategy, designed to build AI literacy at the highest government levels and foster AI integration in public service delivery across sectors [1][3][5]. This initiative aligns with Ghana's broader commitment to building AI readiness across public institutions, setting the stage for a more efficient, transparent, and evidence-based policymaking process in the digital age.
References: [1] Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations. (n.d.). Ghana's AI Capacity-Building Bootcamp for Cabinet Ministers. Retrieved from https://www.mcit.gov.gh/ai-capacity-building-bootcamp-for-cabinet-ministers/ [2] Government of Ghana. (2021). Ministerial Executive Leadership Programme (ELP) in Ada. Retrieved from https://www.ghanagov.org/ministries/ministry-of-communications-and-digitalisation/2021/ministerial-executive-leadership-programme-elp-in-ada [3] Government of Ghana. (2021). AI Capacity-Building Bootcamp Workshop for Cabinet Ministers. Retrieved from https://www.ghanagov.org/ministries/ministry-of-communications-and-digitalisation/2021/ai-capacity-building-bootcamp-workshop-for-cabinet-ministers [4] Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations. (2021). Hon. Samuel Nartey George appointed as Ghana's Minister for Communication and Digitalisation. Retrieved from https://www.mcit.gov.gh/hon-samuel-nartey-george-appointed-as-ghanas-minister-for-communication-and-digitalisation/ [5] World Economic Forum. (2021). Ghana's AI Capacity-Building Bootcamp for Cabinet Ministers. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/09/ghana-ai-capacity-building-bootcamp-for-cabinet-ministers/ [6] Government of Ghana. (2021). AI Capacity-Building Bootcamp for Focal Persons. Retrieved from https://www.ghanagov.org/ministries/ministry-of-communications-and-digitalisation/2021/ai-capacity-building-bootcamp-for-focal-persons
The AI Capacity-Building Bootcamp Workshop for Cabinet Ministers is going to offer sector-specific AI strategies, demonstrating how these can be applied in public service delivery. This workshop, combined with the foundational AI training for focal persons across various sectors, will serve as a catalyst to enhance government operations and service delivery by leveraging AI.
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations emphasized that besides equipping ministers with basic AI knowledge, the long-term success of the initiative depends on well-prepared focal persons across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), who are internal champions for the successful integration of AI within their institutions. These focal persons will foster AI integration in public service delivery across sectors, setting the stage for a more efficient, transparent, and evidence-based policymaking process in the digital age.
