Haruna Iddrisu Engages Google on Using AI to Transform Education in Ghana

Ghana’s push to integrate artificial intelligence into education has received a boost following high-level discussions between Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu and senior executives of Google.

The talks were held on the sidelines of the Generative AI Summit in the United Kingdom, where Mr Iddrisu described the engagement as forward-looking and centred on practical solutions to enhance teaching, learning and digital inclusion across Ghana and the wider African continent.

Sharing details of the meeting in a Facebook post, the Minister said the conversation explored how AI-driven tools can be deployed to improve access to quality education, particularly in underserved communities.

“I had a fruitful engagement with the Vice President of Google during the ongoing Generative AI Summit, where we shared ideas to improve quality education in Ghana and Africa as a whole,” he wrote.

The discussions come against the backdrop of Google’s renewed commitment to Africa’s digital development. In July 2025, the tech giant announced a US$37 million investment targeted at AI research and digital skills training across the continent, including plans to establish a new AI Community Centre in Accra.

According to Mr Iddrisu, the initiative forms part of Google’s broader US$1 billion pledge to support Africa’s digital transformation, a move he believes places Ghana at the centre of emerging AI innovation.

“This firmly positions Ghana as a key hub in this journey,” he stated.

He also revealed that Google is already collaborating with the University of Ghana and the GDI Hub on the development of speech recognition and AI tools for local languages, including Twi, Ewe and Dagbani. The project, he said, pays particular attention to non-standard speech patterns to improve accessibility for a wider range of users.

During the engagement, the Minister said he advocated strongly for the inclusion of Hausa, citing its widespread use in Ghana and across West Africa.

“Integrating Hausa will deepen regional inclusion and further strengthen Ghana’s leadership as an AI innovation hub on the continent,” he noted.

Beyond language development, Mr Iddrisu disclosed that Google has committed to expanding access to its education platforms in Ghana. He said assurances were given by Google’s Director of Operations for Africa and the Gemini project lead that the tools would be offered on a zero-rated basis.

The package, he explained, will include curriculum-aligned educational content and resources on the responsible use of AI in teaching and learning, ensuring students can benefit regardless of income level or geographic location.

Mr Iddrisu concluded by stressing that Ghana’s engagement with artificial intelligence goes beyond adoption, positioning the country as a contributor to shaping Africa’s AI future.

“Ghana is not just participating in the AI revolution; we are helping to shape it for Africa,” he added.