Ghana launches $1.5m Japan-backed initiatives targeting peace, AI, health systems

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has hosted the official launch of three development initiatives funded under Japan‘s Fiscal Year 2025 Supplementary Budget, aimed at advancing peacebuilding, digital transformation and health innovation in Ghana.

The projects—focused on the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Nexus in Bawku, public sector digital transformation through artificial intelligence, and AI-driven health outcomes—are being implemented in partnership with the Governments of Ghana and Japan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the World Health Organisation (WHO), with a combined initial investment of approximately $1.5 million.

Speaking at the launch on April 15, 2026, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said the initiatives reflect a shared commitment to peace, inclusive development and responsible innovation. He noted that the projects align with national priorities in conflict resolution, digital governance and universal health coverage, highlighting the Bawku initiative as key to ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace through reconciliation, reconstruction and community resilience.

National Security Advisor Prosper Bani emphasised that sustainable peace requires more than security interventions, stressing the importance of dialogue, trust-building and inclusive development. He said the initiative would support mediation efforts and strengthen local peace structures.

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, underscored the potential of artificial intelligence in transforming public administration. He announced that Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy has received Cabinet approval and is set for launch, describing the initiative as a step toward equipping public institutions to deploy AI ethically and efficiently.

Japan’s Ambassador to Ghana, Hiroshi Yoshimoto, described the projects as a sign of deepening bilateral relations and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting human security-focused interventions.

A statement delivered on behalf of the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, indicated that the AI-for-health initiative would enhance disease surveillance, enable early outbreak detection, improve data governance and expand access to healthcare, while ensuring data protection and human security.

UNDP Ghana Resident Representative Niloy Banerjee commended Japan’s continued support, noting that the projects demonstrate how innovation, peacebuilding and resilience can be pursued simultaneously.

WHO Ghana Country Representative Dr Fiona Braka highlighted the need for AI in healthcare to remain people-centred, ethical and inclusive, adding that Ghana’s approach could serve as a model for the region.

UN Resident Coordinator Zia Choudhury said the initiatives contribute directly to thirteen of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s development agenda.

The event brought together senior government officials, UN representatives, development partners and implementing agencies, reinforcing a shared commitment to building a peaceful, resilient and technologically advanced future for Ghana.