By Bright DJIKUNU
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer the preserve of advanced economies; it is steadily shaping financial services, agriculture, education, and even governance in Africa.
From mobile-based AI tools helping farmers forecast rainfall to algorithms screening loan applications, the technology promises to transform productivity. Yet these opportunities bring significant risks: bias in automated systems, privacy violations, cybersecurity threats, and the potential misuse of data.
For Ghana and Africa at large, the question is not whether to embrace AI, but how to govern it responsibly. Governance is what separates innovation that empowers citizens from innovation that harms them. To succeed, organizational policies, whether in banks, government ministries, or tech startups, must align with recognized global standards.
The global playbook
The world is not starting from scratch. UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence calls for transparency, human oversight, accountability, and inclusiveness as core AI principles (UNESCO, 2021).
The African Union has also published a Continental AI Strategy, highlighting the need for ethical safeguards and the protection of data sovereignty (African Union, 2024). Together, these frameworks provide a valuable compass for governments and organizations seeking to build trust in AI systems.
Ghana’s policy direction
In May 2025, Ghana launched its first National AI Strategy, emphasizing data as a national asset and promising to build local capacity in AI research and innovation (Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, 2025). This is commendable progress, but implementation remains the challenge.
Weak infrastructure, patchy internet access, and inadequate electricity supply risk stalling progress. Moreover, many institutions still lack internal data governance structures, making them vulnerable to bias, misuse of personal data, or even systemic failures.
In my view, Ghana’s private sector: banks, telecoms, and fintech companies; should not wait for regulators to catch up. They must embed AI governance internally: risk assessments before deploying AI, bias testing in algorithms, and transparent reporting to customers. Such actions build trust and align with international norms, making it easier to attract global partnerships and investments.
Africa’s continental landscape
Across Africa, enthusiasm for AI is rising. Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa are piloting AI applications in public services, while Rwanda has positioned itself as a hub for digital innovation.
But the continent also faces structural barriers: low levels of skilled AI talent, inadequate data centers, and fragmented regulations (World Bank, 2025). Without coordination, Africa risks becoming a “data consumer” rather than a “data producer,” dependent on foreign-owned platforms and unable to assert sovereignty over its digital economy.
This is where aligning organizational policies with global standards becomes critical. By adopting norms from UNESCO and regional strategies from the AU, African organizations can create a unified governance language. Such harmonization makes cross-border trade easier, facilitates responsible AI investment, and shields against exploitative practices by foreign firms.
What organizations can do
For Ghana and Africa to reap the benefits of AI, organizations should:
Adopt risk-based governance: Classify AI projects by potential harm. High-risk uses like credit scoring or healthcare must have stricter oversight.
Prioritize transparency: Document data sources, algorithm design choices, and performance results. Transparency builds public trust.
Build local capacity: Partner with universities and civil society to train professionals who understand both technology and ethics.
Respect data sovereignty: Protect local data from exploitation and ensure compliance with both national laws and international norms.
Conclusion
AI governance is not just a government duty; it is an organizational responsibility. Ghana’s new AI strategy provides direction, and Africa’s continental strategy offers a shared framework. But policies only matter when implemented within organizations. By aligning their internal policies with global standards, Ghanaian and African institutions can ensure that AI serves the public good, strengthens democratic values, and powers inclusive growth.
AI’s promise for Africa is real. But without governance, that promise may be wasted. Now is the time for Ghanaian and African leaders, businesses, and regulators to step up, and align with the world while protecting local interests.
