Ghana launches UNESCO AI readiness assessment to guide ethical AI policy

Ghana has formally launched the Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) developed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), marking an early step in shaping national policy for the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI).

The launch brought together representatives from government ministries, academic institutions, civil society organisations, and the private sector to examine Ghana’s current AI landscape and governance arrangements. The initiative is supported by the European Commission through UNESCO and is intended to provide an evidence-based assessment of the country’s preparedness for AI adoption.

The methodology evaluates a range of factors relevant to AI governance, including institutional capacity, regulatory frameworks, digital infrastructure, skills and education, and broader societal impacts. The results are expected to support the development of Ghana’s National AI Strategy and help identify gaps in oversight, coordination, and safeguards.

In remarks delivered on his behalf, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, said Ghana aims to pursue AI development in a way that is inclusive, transparent, and aligned with public interest objectives. He pointed to the potential of AI to contribute to progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including in healthcare delivery and climate-related initiatives, while also acknowledging risks such as algorithmic bias, privacy concerns, and workforce disruption.

UNESCO representatives emphasised that the readiness assessment places ethics and human rights at the centre of AI policy development. They highlighted the importance of addressing fairness, accountability, and non-discrimination as AI systems are introduced across sectors such as education, public administration, culture, and governance.

Officials from the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation also underlined the need to align national AI efforts with international standards and frameworks. They stressed that collaboration across government, industry, academia, and civil society will be central to building governance structures that support responsible AI deployment.

The UNESCO AI Readiness Assessment Methodology is designed to help governments take a structured approach to AI policy-making, offering a common framework that can be adapted to national contexts while remaining consistent with global norms on ethics, human rights, and sustainable development.