Ghana targets first phase of AI facility within 24 months

Ghana is aiming to have the inaugural phase of a national computing facility ready for use within 24 months, aiming to give researchers, universities and industry players access to the computing power necessary for advancing artificial intelligence (AI). The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mr Samuel Nartey George, disclosed that the government is currently engaging in procurement procedures with the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) to purchase data center infrastructure and related equipment for the project.

Speaking at the JoyNews Digital Economy Forum on AI and the Ghana Economy on October 21, Mr. George stated that this facility is a critical first step in building the country’s capacity to develop and deploy AI technologies. He explained that within the next 24 months, they anticipate the completion of phase one, which will provide serious computing infrastructure that can be utilized by researchers, businesses, and universities.

These entities have previously been purchasing computing capacity and tokens from external providers. The planned facility is expected to provide necessary computing resources for entities involved in AI, which typically requires significant processing power to train models, run applications, and analyze large data sets. Mr George emphasized that while the project is a significant milestone in Ghana's AI development, it is not a comprehensive solution to the nation's AI infrastructure and development challenges.

He cautioned against expecting the country to meet all its AI needs within the remaining tenure of the Mahama administration, instead framing the establishment of the computing facility as a starting point rather than a final solution. Access to computing power is crucial for AI research and commercial development. However, the effectiveness of the proposed facility will also hinge on its capacity, cost-effectiveness, dependability, and accessibility to researchers, universities, and businesses.

The government's 24-month timeline outlines the timeline for the first phase, but Mr. George indicated that additional investments and consistent policy implementation will be required to achieve Ghana's broader AI objectives.