By Frank Kwame Abbor
Ho, June 25, GNA – Stakeholders at the Ghana Data Science Summit 2026 have underscored the critical role of the academia, quality data and ethical artificial intelligence (AI) in driving Ghana’s digital transformation and economic development.
The summit, organised by IndabaX Ghana in collaboration with Ho Technical University under the theme; “Data First: Unlocking Ethical and Inclusive AI in Ghana,” was held at the G.M. Afeti Auditorium of Ho Technical University on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
The forum brought together researchers, policymakers, industry experts, students and technology practitioners.
Dr Augustine Denteh, the Co-Founder and Vice Chair of the Data Science Network, in his opening remarks, welcomed participants and outlined key focus areas of the conference, including data access and availability, responsible data use, and the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence solutions to address real-world challenges.
Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, urged participants to harness data and emerging technologies to support national development while ensuring responsible and ethical use of data.
He encouraged stakeholders to explore innovative AI solutions capable of addressing societal challenges and improving service delivery.
Professor Ben Q. Honyenuga, the Vice-Chancellor of Ho Technical University, said data had become one of the world’s most valuable assets, influencing innovation, economic growth and decision-making across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, finance, manufacturing and governance. He noted that Ghana’s transition to a data-driven economy was essential for industrialisation, improved public sector efficiency and enhanced competitiveness.
He announced that the Ho Technical University had introduced a Master of Science programme in Statistics and Data Science to build high-level human capital for the country’s digital economy.
He further called for stronger collaboration among academia, industry, and the government to ensure that research findings translate into practical solutions and evidence-based policies that improve lives and support economic growth.
In a keynote address delivered on behalf of Alhaji Omar Seidu, the Deputy Government Statistician, Mr Louis Toboh, the Volta Regional Statistician, stressed that ethical and inclusive AI could only be achieved through high-quality, representative and trusted data.
He said: “Without good data, there can be no good AI, without representative data there can be no inclusive AI, and without trusted data there can be no ethical AI.”
Mr Toboh observed that although Ghana had established a credible data foundation through initiatives such as the 2021 Population and Housing Census and other national datasets, challenges including fragmented data systems, limited interoperability, inadequate real-time data and digital inequalities remained significant concerns.
He proposed transparency, fairness, privacy, accountability and inclusivity as key pillars for the country’s AI governance framework.
He called on policymakers, academia, industry, civil society and young professionals to work together to position Ghana as a leading hub for ethical and data-driven AI in West Africa.
Participants at the summit expressed optimism that stronger partnerships and sustained investment in data infrastructure, research and digital skills development would accelerate Ghana’s journey towards a resilient and inclusive digital economy.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah