Ghana’s Digital Minister Calls for Continental Reset from Dependence to Determination
Speaking at the 10th anniversary of Mobex Africa in Accra, the Minister emphasized that the continent is at a crucial moment where it must actively shape its own technological future.
Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, has called for a continental reset for Africa to move from digital dependence to digital determination. Speaking at the 10th anniversary of Mobex Africa in Accra, the Minister emphasized that the continent is at a crucial moment where it must actively shape its own technological future.
“This is the moment for a reset, a shift from digital dependence to digital determination, from consumption to creation. Africa must build infrastructure, regulate responsibly, and foster innovations that reflect the realities of its people.”
– Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Ghana
The Minister outlined several key initiatives Ghana is undertaking to lead this transformation. These include a $1 billion Ghana-UAE Tech and Innovation Hub in Dawa, which is expected to attract major global companies and nurture local talent. Additionally, he highlighted the “One Million Coders Programme” aimed at training a million youth in AI and machine learning over four years. He also mentioned the development of a National Data Exchange, a secure platform for public and private data sharing, and the preparation of 15 new legislative bills to align Ghana’s ICT laws with global technological advancements.
Hon. George stressed that Ghana’s ambition is to become the AI capital of West Africa. He revealed that under President Mahama’s leadership, Ghana had organized a Ministerial AI Bootcamp, a rare initiative on the continent.
“AI is not a future ambition, it is a present-day mandate. Every MDA must be AI-ready. Data is the new oil and dare I say, the new gold. But it must be governed by trust, policy, and foresight. He concluded by calling on various stakeholders to move from rhetoric to action. Let us build African infrastructure, not just towers but platforms. Let us invest in innovation not as charity, but as strategy. Let us define Africa’s digital destiny—not by default, but by design.”
– Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Ghana
