Ghana to spend US$300m on a National AI Centre and 4G for rural areas
The 2027 budget plans shared computing power for researchers and start-ups, and upgrades of rural 2G networks so farmers can get prices, forecasts and payments by phone.
Accra — Ghana will commit US$300 million in 2027 and 2028 to set up a National Artificial Intelligence Centre and upgrade rural 2G mobile networks to 4G, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson told Parliament on Thursday as he presented the 2027 budget.
Computing power for all
The centre will offer shared high-performance computing, secure data environments, research laboratories, model-testing facilities, training and support for start-ups. Dr Forson said it would give businesses, universities, researchers and public bodies access to tools that may be too expensive for them to buy alone.
It will focus on using AI in agriculture, healthcare, energy, mining, logistics, public services and Ghanaian languages, and will operate under safeguards on data privacy, cybersecurity, accessibility and human accountability for high-impact decisions.
The programme will also train young people in software development, data analytics, AI, computer networks and digital business services, and help small and medium-sized firms adopt digital tools.
4G for farmers
On rural connectivity, the minister said moving from 2G to 4G would let farmers check weather forecasts and market prices, receive digital payments and reach buyers, while widening access to telehealth and online learning in underserved communities.
The aim, he said, is that where Ghanaians live should not stop them from using modern digital services or taking part in the AI economy.
Source: MyJoyOnline, 12 November 2026.
