Ghana will be Africa’s AI hub in 4 years — Sam George

Welcome to TW’s Daily Briefing.

Today’s highlights: Ghana will be Africa’s AI hub in 4 years — Sam George, Ministerial Vetting: Kofi Gabs Slams MPs, Says Dutch Passport is Valuable Than Parliament of Ghana , Ghana’s Progress in Cholera Prevention

Ghana to Become AI Hub – Minister-Designate

GRAPHIC ONLINE—Ghana aims to become Africa’s hub for AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and data analytics within four years, according to Communications Minister-designate Samuel Nartey George. Speaking at his vetting, he pledged to review and enhance the AI strategy to align with President Mahama’s vision, integrating AI with big data through NDC’s innovation hubs.

SIM Reregistration & Data Costs

George vowed to streamline SIM reregistration, ensuring telcos cover costs and eliminating long queues through biometric reconciliation with the NIA and NCA. He criticized the previous government’s handling of the process and promised a more efficient approach. He also pledged to address high mobile data costs by reviewing tax components.

Cybersecurity & LGBTQI+ Bill

On cybersecurity, George argued it should remain under the Communications Ministry rather than National Security, citing global best practices. Regarding the LGBTQI+ bill, he stated it expired with the eighth parliament but assured it would be reintroduced for national discussion.

Ministerial Vetting: Kofi Gabs Slams MPs, Says Dutch Passport is Valuable Than Parliament of Ghana 

YEN—Ghanaian-born Dutch citizen Kofi Gabs, popularly known as Mr Happiness, has weighed in on the chaotic ministerial vetting on January 30, 2025.

Following the vetting of Communications Minister-designate Samuel Nartey George, a clash erupted between the majority and minority members of the Appointments Committee when the ruling NDC attempted to proceed with the next nominee, while the NPP resisted. The heated exchange led to vandalism, damaging microphones and tables, disrupting the session.

Reacting on social media, Mr Happiness expressed his frustration, suggesting that his Dutch passport was more valuable than Ghana’s Parliament. “My Dutch passport is more valuable than the Parliament of Ghana,” he captioned a TikTok video.

Kofi Gabs, who previously gained attention for claiming a Dutch passport held more value than a Ghanaian PhD, has often sparked controversy, drawing criticism from Ghana’s academic community.

Ghana progresses in the prevention and control of cholera

MYJOY ONLINE—A WHO-AFRO study assessing Africa’s five-year cholera prevention efforts shows the region is off track to eliminate cholera by 2030. While Ghana is among 14 African nations making fair progress (53%), overall targets for cholera reduction, monitoring, and policy adaptation remain unmet. Key challenges include inadequate dissemination and delayed implementation of the framework.

Out of 47 countries assessed, only Ethiopia, Kenya, and Zambia are on track. Ghana, along with 13 others, made fair progress, while 10 nations, including South Africa and Burkina Faso, showed insufficient improvement.

Despite strong achievements in hotspot mapping (85%) and preparedness (84%), weak funding (16%) and inadequate water quality interventions (31%) hinder progress. Cholera remains a major global threat, affecting millions, particularly in poor regions of Africa and Asia. The WHO’s 2018 regional framework aims to align with the Global Task Force on Cholera Control’s goal to eliminate the disease by 2030.