Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, called on Africa to develop AI standards that reflect the continent’s values and culture at the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
George highlighted Ghana’s use of the UNESCO Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) to map strengths and gaps in its 10‑year National AI Strategy, arguing that ethics must go beyond technicalities to question whose values AI systems embody. He warned that AI models trained on limited data could mislabel African cultural practices, citing an example where a model might flag an African woman in a traditional rite as nudity while treating a Western woman in a bikini as normal.
To counter such biases, the minister urged UNESCO to lead in ensuring African perspectives are included in global AI ethical standards. He also drew parallels to social media governance, insisting Africa needs a stronger voice in setting emerging‑technology norms.
On infrastructure, George announced a US$250 million investment over two years to build AI computing facilities in Ghana, stressing the project is meant for the continent, not just the country. He proposed regional hubs that would serve neighbouring nations—Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, The Gambia—providing affordable, sovereign high‑performance computing resources.
In human‑capital terms, George detailed the One Million Coders programme, training Ghanaians in coding, AI, data security and cybersecurity, and the integration of AI courses as graduation prerequisites in 20 universities. He also noted UNDP‑partnered training of senior civil‑service officials in AI skills.
Looking ahead, Ghana will chair the African Union from February next year and the AU Specialised Technical Committee on ICT and Communications. George said these platforms could forge a continental AI consensus and strengthen negotiations with global tech firms.
