Government to invest $300m in National AI Centre, upgrade rural 2G networks to 4G
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced the investment while presenting the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 12. Dr Forson said the proposed National AI Centre would provide shared high-performance computing facilities, secure data environments, applied research laboratories, model-testing infrastructure, professional training and support for start-ups.
The government is committing US$300 million between 2027 and 2028 to establish a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre and upgrade rural 2G mobile networks to reliable 4G connectivity.
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced the investment while presenting the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 12.
The initiative forms part of the government's eighth pillar under its New Economy agenda, which seeks to expand Ghana's technology industry and improve access to digital services.
Dr Forson said the proposed National AI Centre would provide shared high-performance computing facilities, secure data environments, applied research laboratories, model-testing infrastructure, professional training and support for start-ups.
He explained that the facility would give Ghanaian businesses, researchers, universities and public institutions access to advanced technological resources that may be too expensive for them to acquire independently.
The Centre will prioritise the application of artificial intelligence in agriculture, healthcare, energy, mining, logistics, Ghanaian languages and public services.
The Finance Minister said the investment would also focus on equipping young people with practical skills in software development, data analytics, artificial intelligence, computer networks and digital business services.
Through industry-linked practical training, the government expects young Ghanaians to acquire the expertise needed to secure better-paying jobs, establish businesses and compete in the global digital economy.
The programme will also support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt digital technologies that can improve their productivity.
On rural connectivity, Dr Forson said the upgrade of 2G networks to 4G would enable farmers to access weather forecasts and market information, receive digital payments and connect with buyers.
He added that improved connectivity would also expand access to telehealth services, educational resources and digital business opportunities for people in underserved communities.
The government says the National AI Centre will operate under safeguards covering data privacy, cybersecurity, accessibility and human accountability in high-impact decisions.
The broader objective, according to Dr Forson, is to ensure that geographical location does not prevent Ghanaians from accessing modern digital services, establishing technology-driven businesses or participating in the emerging artificial intelligence economy.
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