Ghana strengthens digital innovation through university-government partnership

The University of Ghana and the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations have agreed to collaborate on advancing the country's digital transformation agenda. During a high-level meeting, both institutions outlined plans to jointly develop Ghana's technology ecosystem through skills training, policy development, and innovation programs. 

The partnership will see the University of Ghana provide academic expertise and infrastructure support for government-led initiatives, including the "One Million Coders" program aimed at workforce development. A key outcome is the planned Digital Youth Village, an innovation hub to be operational within three months, which will serve as a center for coding bootcamps, AI research, and startup incubation. 

Minister Samuel Nartey George emphasized the ministry's commitment to replicating such innovation hubs nationwide while integrating academic input into policy formulation. The collaboration will also focus on creating a standardized national curriculum for technology skills training, to be approved by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission. 

Upcoming joint initiatives include an AI design hackathon for persons with disabilities in May and support for the 19th International Conference on Advanced Materials. The partnership aims to position Ghana as a leader in digital innovation while ensuring inclusive access to emerging technologies. 

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye