Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu says Ghana is set to deepen its role as a continental hub for artificial intelligence (AI) education and innovation following high-level engagements with Google officials at the ongoing Generative AI Summit in the United Kingdom.
In a statement posted on X, Mr Iddrisu disclosed that he held discussions with Google’s Vice President and other senior executives, focusing on how generative AI can be leveraged to improve the quality of education in Ghana and across Africa.
The engagement follows Google’s announcement in July 2025 of a US$37 million investment in AI research and digital skills development across Africa, including the establishment of a new AI Community Center in Accra.
The initiative forms part of Google’s broader US$1 billion commitment to Africa’s digital transformation, positioning Ghana as a strategic hub for AI innovation on the continent.
According to the Education Minister, Google is collaborating with the University of Ghana and the GDI Hub to advance speech recognition and artificial intelligence tools for local Ghanaian languages, including Twi, Ewe, and Dagbani.
He noted that the project places particular emphasis on non-standard speech patterns to enhance accessibility in education and digital services.
During the discussions, Mr Iddrisu underscored the need to include Hausa—widely spoken across Ghana and West Africa—in Google’s language and AI development efforts. He said incorporating Hausa would promote greater regional inclusion and further strengthen Ghana’s leadership role in Africa’s AI ecosystem.
The Minister also announced that Google has given firm assurances that its education tools will be deployed in Ghana on a zero-rated basis. The initiative will provide curriculum-aligned digital content and resources on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning, ensuring equitable access for students regardless of their geographic location or economic background.
“Ghana is not just participating in the AI revolution; we are helping to shape it for Africa,” Mr Iddrisu stated, reaffirming the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to drive inclusive and future-ready education.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
