Ghana's government is making a significant investment in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The nation aims to boost its economy by GHS 500 billion by the year 2035. This ambitious goal is part of a new National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
President John Mahama launched this strategy in December 2025. It is seen as crucial for his administration's economic plans. The strategy is expected to improve how businesses operate and attract more investment. It also aims to help stabilize the country's economy.
This AI strategy fits into Ghana's broader economic challenges. The nation is working to manage its debt. Projections show Ghana's debt-to-GDP ratio may rise to 53.0 percent by the end of 2026. Growing the economy faster than the debt is key to reducing this burden. The AI strategy's projected GHS 500 billion contribution to GDP is thus vital for fiscal health.
The strategy has been described as a "productivity multiplier" for the government's "Resetting Ghana Agenda." This agenda focuses on four main areas. These include economic stability, improving the business environment, constitutional review, and fighting corruption. The AI strategy directly supports the goal of making Ghana "open for business." It includes measures for data governance, tax incentives for AI companies, and building a skilled workforce.
Several of President Mahama's flagship programs are being linked to the AI strategy. The "1 Million Coders Programme" is training young Ghanaians in digital skills. By May 2025, it had attracted nearly 150,000 applicants. This program's aim aligns with Pillar 1 of the AI strategy, which plans to train over one million AI-ready youth by 2035. The "Adwumawura Initiative" helps young people start new businesses. The AI strategy adds a technology focus to this by offering tax incentives and funding for AI start-ups.
The "24-Hour Economy" policy is another key initiative that relies heavily on AI. This policy seeks to expand economic activity by having businesses operate around the clock. AI is essential for managing complex operations like scheduling, equipment maintenance, and energy use in a 24-hour setting. The AI strategy's plan to increase computing power by 2035 will provide the technical backbone for this policy.
The government's "Big Push" infrastructure program, worth $10 billion, also connects with the AI strategy. This program supports the development of data centers and broadband internet. The AI strategy calls for building these facilities outside the capital city, Accra, and expanding rural internet access. This comprehensive approach aims to leverage AI for widespread economic development and job creation across Ghana.