Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari Advocates for AI Policy Framework to Boost Innovation in Ghana.

Accra: Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari, the First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, emphasized the importance of implementing policies aimed at creating a robust foundation for the effective adoption of AI solutions. Addressing an audience at the 2nd Emerging Countries International Conference on Business, Finance, and Economics, held at the University of Ghana Business School in collaboration with the University of Mauritius and Stellenbosch University, he highlighted the need to invest in broadband connectivity and digital capabilities to foster an environment conducive to AI innovation.According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Opoku-Afari underscored the necessity of enhancing the country's workforce through targeted education and training programs. He advocated for equipping the younger population with essential skills to navigate an AI-driven economy and for nurturing homegrown tech startups to build a resilient local ecosystem. He also called for the development of regulations that promote ethical AI usage whil e safeguarding jobs from the threat of automation.Dr. Opoku-Afari pointed out the potential benefits of strengthening partnerships between governments, academia, and the private sector to facilitate knowledge sharing and drive innovation. He noted that in Ghana, AI-enabled digital banking services are already being leveraged to simplify credit scoring, thus enabling SMEs to access crucial financing, which in turn boosts entrepreneurial activity and job creation.The Deputy Governor highlighted the vital role of agriculture in many economies within the sub-region, where AI solutions such as AI-driven drones and platforms like Farmerline are being used to enhance productivity by providing farmers with essential data and optimising agricultural practices.In the healthcare sector, he noted the use of AI to bridge gaps in infrastructure and workforce shortages. He cited the example of mPharma, a Ghanaian company that utilizes AI algorithms to manage pharmaceutical supply chains, ensuring the availability of essential drugs.In the financial sector, Dr. Opoku-Afari praised AI-driven fintech solutions for promoting financial inclusion. He mentioned platforms like Paystack and Flutterwave, which use machine learning to detect fraud and streamline transactions for SMEs, thereby supporting economic growth.