GhanaChat data centre could require $61m annual subsidy – Bright Simons
Vice-President and head of Research at the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, Bright Simons has questioned the financial viability of Ghana’s proposed US$270 million artificial intelligence (AI) data centre, warning that its operating costs could require substantial annual government subsidies. In an analysis published on X, Mr Simons said the facility, which is expected to support the…
GhanaChat, a proposed artificial intelligence data center, may require a significant annual government subsidy, according to Bright Simons, the Vice-President and head of Research at the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education. Simons argued that the facility's operating costs could be substantial, as it is expected to have a computing capacity of 2,100 graphics processing units (GPUs) and an IT load of 4.3 megawatts (MW).
With a total cost of about $270 million for the AI data center and the AI Fund, along with many additional contracts, Simons questioned whether this investment in GhanaChat, a top-tier AI data center, is the best use of funds. He expressed concerns about the target computing capacity for Ghana in 2027, which was stated as 10²¹ FLOPS, which he believed was a mistake, as it would equate to equivalent computing power to a 1970s desktop computer.
Simons urged for a more critical assessment of Ghana's AI strategy, expressing doubts about whether this approach would yield the best value for the money spent.
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