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Ghana to Develop National AI Strategy Initiative Amid Digital Transformation Push

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In a significant move to position Ghana at the forefront of technological advancement in Africa, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation,  Samuel Nartey George (MP) has announced the development of a National Digital Transformation and Emerging Technology Strategy, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence.

Speaking at the Press Briefing yesterday in Accra, he highlighted that the initiative aims to guide the ethical deployment of digital tools such as AI and emerging technologies for national development. 

“The Ministry has prioritized dialogue on Artificial Intelligence to fully assess its opportunities, security implications and resource demands and ensure we put the appropriate governance framework in place for an ethical, inclusive and beneficial development and adoption of AI”, the Ministry stated.

Mr.Nartey George indicated that strategic international partnerships have already been established to support Ghana’s AI ambitions, adding that the Ministry has entered collaborations with the British High Commission, UNESCO and other international organizations to develop Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and blueprint.

“A key component of this initiative is the digitization of the nation’s essential data sets, described as a foundational step in our national Artificial Intelligence agenda.This effort aims to ensure that AI systems developed in Ghana learn from local data, reflecting the country’s cultural nuances and development priorities rather than relying solely on foreign datasets. AI models trained solely on foreign datasets risk overlooking Indigenous knowledge and reinforcing learned biases that do not serve our interests”, the Minister explained. “By anchoring AI development in our data, we are safeguarding digital sovereignty and building truly Ghanaian technologies in design and purpose”, he emphasized 

According to him, the AI strategy forms part of a broader digital transformation agenda that includes legislative reforms to modernize Ghana’s technology sector. 

He mentioned that the Ministry has initiated a comprehensive review of existing legislation and regulatory frameworks, with plans to redraft outdated laws to “ensure they reflect present realities, anticipate future developments, and provide a transparent, enabling environment for innovation, investment and consumer protection”.

This AI initiative, he said complements other digital efforts underway, including the One Million Coders Program aimed at training young Ghanaians in digital skills and the development of the Ghana Innovation and Startup Bill, which seeks to create a robust legal framework for technology startups.

 Samuel Nartey George also intimidated that the Ministry’s push toward AI development represents a strategic effort to harness emerging technologies for economic growth while maintaining digital sovereignty in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.

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 Churches tasked to tackle indiscipline in society

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 The Right Reverend Kwaku Effah, the Methodist Bishop of the Sunyani Diocese, has urged churches to help tackle the growing trend of indiscipline in the country.

That could be done if churches concentrate on building the youth to become matured in Christianity, he stated in an interview on the side-lines of the 46th annual synod of the Methodist of Ghana held at Duayaw-Nkwanta in the Ahafo Region.

It was under the theme: ‘Dis­cipleship: growing into Christian maturity,’ and attended by Dioce­san executives, the standing com­mittees of the church, members of the coordination offices and pastors wives.

The synod enabled the church to take stock and highlighted the previous year’s achievements, looked into emerging challenges and projected for the future.

Rt Rev. Effah also noted that Christian maturity and a strength­ened faith in God would make the youth disciplined and principled, and urged the churches to form youth groups and provide employ­able skills training to create job opportunities for them.

“The youth groups will bring young people together, provide them with employable skills train­ing to build on their future,” he stated, asking Christians not to live to please themselves, instead strive to live to please God.

That would enable them to grow into Christian maturity and entreated the churches to also prioritise the spiritual growth and development of their members, saying the lives of Christians must develop physically, spiritually, emotionally and socially.

“Christian maturity is not about age or positions in the church, but a life characterised by holiness and righteousness,” he stated and urged Christians to pray constantly to strengthen their relationships with God.

They must also always seek the Holy Spirit guidance and look onto Jesus Christ and eschew sin and to live righteously. —GNA

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President Mahama launches ONE Million Coders  programme 

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The President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama has launched the One Million Coders programme, aimed at training one million Ghanaians with digital skills. 

This programme seeks to empower young ghanaians, with coding skills and prepare them for the future job market.

The One Million Coders programme is under the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations aimed at promoting digital innovation and skills development in Ghana. 

This programme aligns with the Ministry’s mandate to drive the country’s digital transformation agenda.

At the launch of the One Million Coders program, President John Mahama emphasized that this initiative is a strategic pillar in his efforts to reset Ghana’s agenda with digital skills. 

It’s a deliberate attempt to invest in the future of Ghanaian youth through technology and innovation.

By equipping young people with cutting-edge digital skills,  the country is empowering them to drive Ghana’s digital transformation and economic growth.

The President emphasized that the One Million Coders (OMC) programme encompasses more than just technical skills.

The President highlights the program’s potential to transform lives and drive economic growth. This perspective underscores the importance of digital literacy in today’s economy, where technological proficiency is increasingly crucial for success.

Hon. LlSamuel Nartey George (MP), Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations emphasized that the One Million Coders program is a flagship program of the John Mahama-led administration.

According to him, the program aims to equip young people with essential digital skills, demonstrating the government’s commitment to empowering the youth and bridging the digital divide.

The Minister was of the view that the initiative will create opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, promoting digital inclusion and reducing inequality, adding, the launch of the One Million Coders programme within the 120-day social contract period showcases President Mahama’s focus on delivering on his promises National Communications Authority

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 SIC Insurance pays GH¢1.54m insurance claim to GCB Bank PLC

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Mr Agyenim-Boateng (seventh from right) presenting the dummy cheque to Mr Afram

 SIC Insurance PLC has paid an insurance claim of GH¢c1.54 million to GCB Bank PLC under GCB Bank’s Bankers Blanket Policy.

Presenting a cheque to the bank’s Deputy Managing Director (Finance), Mr Socrates Afram, on Monday at a brief ceremony at GCB Bank’s Head office in Accra, the Acting Managing Director of SIC Insurance PLC, Mr James Agyenim-Boateng, expressed his appreciation to the bank for its con­tinuous business relations with SIC Insurance PLC over the years.

He reminded the business and insurance communities that SIC In­surance PLC was stable, financially strong and paid claims on time.

Mr Agyenim-Boateng urged the business community to prioritise doing business with the SIC.

Mr Agyenim-Boateng said apart from the payment made to GCB Bank, SIC Insurance PLC recently paid $1 million in claims to a client in Accra and $780,000 to another company in Tema.

“At SIC Insurance PLC, we value our relationship with GCB Bank, we take our promises seriously as our promises are sacred. Continue to stand by us and when bad times come, we will chase you with your cheque to come and present to you,” he said.

For his part, the Deputy Man­aging Director (Finance) of GCB Bank PLC, Mr Afram, said the bank cherished its relationship with SIC, adding that it has been mutual­ly beneficial to the two institutions.

 BY TIMES REPORTER

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