Ghana Strategic Consultation – Data for Policy SSA Engagement Project

Event Overview

Advancing Data and AI Competency for Effective and Trustworthy Decision Making in Sub-Saharan Africa

Date: 25-26 October 2023
Location: ISSER, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra

The Data for Policy CIC hosted a pivotal strategic consultation aimed at enhancing data and AI competency for effective decision-making in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This two-day event brought together 30 thought leaders from academia, governance, and industry to foster dialogue and address challenges unique to the region. Participants identified critical issues such as the need for decolonization in knowledge creation, the importance of local innovations, and the enhancement of computational competencies. Discussions highlighted SSA’s potential to contribute innovative solutions on a global scale, despite facing systemic barriers like infrastructure and data governance challenges.

Key proposals emerged, focusing on co-creating policies and frameworks to promote interoperability, capacity building, equity, and improved data quality and sharing. The event reaffirmed Data for Policy CIC’s unique position in driving data-driven policymaking in SSA through its commitment to collaboration, inclusivity, and regional empowerment.

Background

Data for Policy CIC is dedicated to utilizing data and AI for a sustainable future, fostering an open culture that supports innovation and knowledge exchange. Recognizing a gap in participation from SSA, the organization initiated programming to address regional challenges in data science and AI. Collaborating with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the consultation aimed to strengthen SSA’s role in global data-for-policy discourse.

Programme

The strategic consultation featured comprehensive discussions centered on five main themes:

  1. Navigating Complexity: Examining current AI initiatives and the challenges of AI adoption, the importance of competence and ethics, and strategies for long-term sustainability.
  2. Fostering a Vibrant GovTech Industry: Exploring collaborative models, data privacy concerns, and opportunities for scaling up innovative practices.
  3. GovTech and Enabling Country Systems: Analyzing agri-tech systems’ role in governance, implementation challenges, and international partnership contributions.
  4. Evaluating Impact of West African-Led Research: Discussing significant research issues, the application of AI in policy, and best practices for impact measurement.
  5. Convergence of Technology and Grassroot Engagement: Evaluating how technology can enhance public services and addressing the limitations and risks of grassroots participation.

The event began with opening remarks emphasizing the need for enhanced competency within the public sector. Panel discussions followed, addressing topics such as existing AI initiatives, challenges of adoption, ethical considerations, and capacity-building strategies. Breakout groups facilitated deeper engagement on strategic actions for closing competency gaps and fostering a robust data-for-policy community.

The consultation concluded with participants forming breakout groups to explore how Data for Policy can engage with the region effectively.

List of Speakers and Chairs
  • Peter Quartey, Institute of Statistical Social & Economic Research
  • Zeynep Engin, Data for Policy CIC
  • Abena Nyamesem, Ghana Investment Funds for Electronic Communications
  • Ahmed Dooguy Kora, L’Ecole Supérieure Multinationale des Télécommunications
  • Amon Bazongo, Intelliances
  • Camillus Abawiera Wongnaa, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
  • Charlie Martial Ngounou, AfroLeadership
  • David S. Ameyaw, International Center for Evaluation and Development
  • Diasmer Panna Bloe, Data for Policy CIC
  • Elikplimi Komla Agbloyor, University of Ghana Business School
  • Forster Boateng, Tree Crops Development Authority
  • Hamdiyah Alhassan, University for Development Studies
  • Henry Nunoo-Mensah, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
  • Jemima Adjanor, SolarTaxi
  • Joshua Amo Adjei, University of Cape Coast
  • Michael Kodom, University of Ghana
  • Olubunmi Ajala, The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovations, Nigeria
  • Peter Olugbenga Adeleye, Institution of Data Scientists and Analysts
  • Racine Ly (Virtual), Akademiya 20673
  • Ridwan Sorunke (Virtual), Dev-Afrique
  • Rislan Abdulazeez Kanya, Baze University Abuja
  • Roselyn Adadzewa Otoo, Institute of Statistical Social & Economic Research
  • S Martial Anicet Kiemde (Virtual), Le ministère de la Cybersécurité et du Numérique du Québec
  • Samuel Benin, International Food Policy Research Institute
  • Samuel Kobina Annim, Ghana Statistical Service
  • Stanley Wood (Virtual), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
  • Temitope Odedeyi (Virtual), University College London