Dr. Apaak calls for equitable access as AI transforms Ghana’s education system

Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Abas Apaak has cautioned that Ghana’s adoption of artificial intelligence in education must take into account inequalities in access to computers, electricity and affordable internet.

He said efforts to integrate emerging technologies into schools risk leaving some learners behind if policies are designed around the assumption that every student has access to digital resources.

Speaking at the Tɛkyerɛma Pa Hackathon and AI Summit 2026 at the University of Ghana, Legon, on Friday, October 30, Dr. Apaak said equity must remain a central consideration in the country’s digital education agenda.

“We must judge every technology by evidence: does it improve understanding, help teachers and reach underserved learners?” he said.

He warned that access to essential infrastructure remained a major consideration in the implementation of digital learning initiatives.

“And we must plan for the digital divide, because a policy that assumes every learner has a computer, electricity and affordable internet will fail many Ghanaian families,” he added.

Dr. Apaak further stressed that the adoption of AI must be accompanied by safeguards against inaccurate information, bias, privacy violations and academic dishonesty.

He said the future of education should combine technological competence with human judgement and ethical responsibility.

“The future of education must combine technological competence with human judgement, innovation with integrity, and digital intelligence with ethical responsibility,” he stated.

The Deputy Minister also emphasised that technological advancement should not come at the expense of foundational education.

“The strongest AI ecosystem will rest on a strong educational foundation of literacy, numeracy and good teaching,” he said.

He called for collaboration among government, universities, industry and teachers to ensure that technological innovation benefits learners across the country.

His remarks formed part of his keynote address at the summit, held under the theme, ‘Reimagining Education for an AI-Driven Future: Empowering Ghanaian Learners to Innovate, Create and Lead’.