Ghana has launched a joint programme with the World Health Organization and the United Nations Development Programme — funded by the Government of Japan through the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security — to harness artificial intelligence in improving health outcomes, strengthening system resilience and protecting vulnerable populations.
The programme is implemented in collaboration with Ghana’s Ministry of Health and comes as countries increasingly turn to digital innovation to address complex health challenges including climate-sensitive diseases and inequities in access to care. It seeks to advance Ghana’s digital health transformation by embedding AI into the health system in a way the partners describe as ethical, inclusive and people-centred.
The WHO Representative to Ghana said the initiative was about building a strong and secure digital health ecosystem. “This Joint UNDP–WHO programme will strengthen Ghana’s digital health ecosystem, advancing AI governance, safeguarding health data, and empowering a workforce ready to deliver people-centred care,” the representative said.
The programme focuses on strengthening institutional and human capacity for AI governance, ensuring robust data privacy and security, and expanding digital literacy among healthcare workers and communities. It also aims to deploy AI-enabled early warning systems for climate-sensitive diseases, integrated into national platforms such as DHIS2, while fostering responsible private sector engagement.
UNDP Resident Representative Niloy Bernejee said digital innovation is central to resilience and sustainable development. “Strengthening health systems and advancing responsible digital innovation can reinforce stability, build resilience, and drive sustainable development,” he said.
Grounded in the human security approach, the programme prioritizes the protection and empowerment of individuals — particularly vulnerable and marginalized populations — ensuring they are safeguarded from risks such as data breaches and climate-related health threats while benefiting from equitable access to digital health solutions.
Japan reaffirmed its commitment to supporting innovation with long-term impact in Ghana’s health sector. “Japan is proud to support this AI-driven health initiative in Ghana to advance innovation that strengthens health systems and delivers sustainable impact,” said Ambassador of Japan to Ghana Hiroshi Yoshimoto.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa underscored the transformative potential of the initiative. “By embedding artificial intelligence into the health system, Ghana can advance equity, improve efficiency, and build a more resilient healthcare system,” he said.
Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation Minister Samuel Nartey George emphasized the broader national vision for AI, saying the technology will shape the future of economies, governments and societies. He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to building a robust ecosystem to harness AI for human development, pointing to the National AI Strategy as a key milestone.
Representing the Minister of Health, Belinda Nimako, director of policy, planning, monitoring and evaluation at the Ministry of Health, said integrating AI into the health system presents an opportunity to enhance equity, improve efficiency and strengthen resilience across healthcare delivery.
The event was also attended by the UN Resident Coordinator to Ghana, the director-general of the Ghana Health Service and the chairperson of the National Planning Committee. By placing people at the centre of digital transformation, the programme is expected to strengthen Ghana’s health system, improve service delivery and ensure that the benefits of AI translate into inclusive, equitable and sustainable health outcomes.
