Ghana’s Minister of Communication joins African leaders at AI Action Summit in Paris

Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, is among the distinguished African leaders representing the continent at the prestigious AI Action Summit in Paris. The summit, which runs from February 10 to 11, has brought together heads of state, top executives from leading tech firms, researchers, NGOs, and representatives from multilateral organizations to discuss the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and its transformative potential for societies worldwide.

Minister Nartey’s participation underscores Ghana’s commitment to leveraging AI for socio-economic development and positioning itself as a key player in the global AI ecosystem. Alongside his counterparts, including Nigeria’s Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Tijani Bosun, and Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, the Ghanaian minister is actively shaping discussions on how AI can drive innovation, equity, and sustainability across Africa.

The AI Action Summit has highlighted Africa’s growing influence in the global AI landscape. With a youthful population, a booming digital economy, and a rising wave of AI-driven innovations, the continent is poised to harness AI’s potential to revolutionize critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and financial services. However, challenges such as limited infrastructure, data governance issues, and the need for workforce upskilling remain key barriers that require strategic collaborations and robust policy frameworks.

In his address at the summit, Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa, emphasized the importance of unity in Africa’s AI journey. "The global AI landscape is being shaped right now. I call on every single minister and private sector member to join forces together. Because no single country in Africa can do AI alone," he stated. Koné’s message resonated with the continent’s leaders, who are working to ensure that Africa does not merely follow global AI trends but actively shapes them.

Minister Sam Nartey George’s presence at the summit reflects Ghana’s proactive approach to embracing AI as a tool for national development. By participating in high-level discussions at the summit, the minister is advocating for policies that promote responsible AI deployment and ensure that the benefits of AI are accessible to all.

Ghana’s efforts align with broader continental initiatives led by organizations like Smart Africa, which is driving partnerships, policy frameworks, and capacity-building programs to position Africa as a leader in the global AI ecosystem. The AI Action Summit provides a unique platform for African leaders to collaborate with global stakeholders, share insights, and advocate for equitable AI development.

As the summit progresses, African leaders are calling for increased collaboration between governments, the private sector, and international organizations to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI.

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye