Ghana’s government says it is partnering with Google to develop artificial intelligence (AI) education tools in local languages, as part of efforts to widen access to education across the country.
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, revealed the plans in a Facebook post on Friday, following meetings with senior Google executives at the Generative AI Summit in the United Kingdom.
Mr Iddrisu said the initiative is aimed at making digital learning more inclusive, particularly for students in rural communities and people with disabilities.
According to him, Google is working with the University of Ghana and the Ghana Digital Innovation (GDI) Hub to develop speech recognition and AI-powered education tools in Ghanaian languages, including Twi, Ewe and Dagbani.
The project will also consider non-standard speech patterns, which the minister said would help ensure wider participation in both education and digital services.
Mr Iddrisu added that the government intends to include Hausa, a language widely spoken in Ghana and across West Africa, to expand regional reach.
He said the use of AI in local languages could help address long-standing barriers to education, especially in underserved communities.
The education minister also said Google had indicated that the tools would be provided on a zero-rated basis, allowing access without data charges.
The AI platforms are expected to feature curriculum-aligned content and guidance on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning.
In his comments, Mr Iddrisu said Ghana was not only adopting emerging technologies but was also seeking to shape how AI is developed and used across Africa.
Google has previously announced a US$37m investment in AI research and digital skills development across Africa, including the establishment of an AI community centre in Accra.
That investment forms part of a wider US$1bn commitment by the technology company to support Africa’s digital transformation.
By Abigail Grit
