Ghana and Burkina Faso explore public sector reforms, AI adoption at HR Café

Ghana and Burkina Faso are discussing ways to enhance public sector reform, human capital development, and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the HR Café conference in Accra. The two nations aim to boost administrative cross-learning, digital transformation, institutional efficiency, and skills development as work evolves. This marks the 10th edition of HR Café, an annual Human Resource Management forum organized by Burkina Faso's government, with over 300 attendees representing various sectors.

Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration) at Ghana's Office of the President, emphasized that sustainable public sector transformation requires capable, ethical, and adaptable people to lead and manage change. She highlighted Ghana's focus on reducing inefficiencies, improving transparency, promoting professionalism, and harnessing digital technology for better service delivery.

The National Public Sector Reform Strategy II includes pillars for a skilled workforce, digitization, and improved conditions of service.

AI's potential to enhance decision-making, automate routine processes, and support data-driven policymaking was discussed. However, participants stressed the need for responsible workforce planning, skills development, ethics, and data governance. Ghana already employs digital tools in public services, such as digital passport applications and an AI-enabled trade valuation platform by the Ghana Revenue Authority.

Ghana's hosting of the conference underscores the enduring relationship between the two countries, sharing history, aspirations, and a common destiny. Mr Larry Gabriel Latif Gbevlo-Lartey, Special Envoy of the President of Ghana to the Alliance of Sahel States, highlighted the importance of cooperation in areas like human resource management and public administration.

Mr Ousmane Sandwidi, Head of the Burkina Faso Organising Committee, praised Ghana for hosting the event and stressed the importance of knowledge and skills exchange to strengthen public sector governance.

The HR Café aims to foster professional exchanges, institutional learning, and explore how human capital and emerging technologies can shape more efficient, accountable, and citizen-centric public services. The 2026 edition plans to deepen these partnerships and examine the role of human capital and technology in public sector transformation.