Cultural barriers limit Ghana’s AI adoption, but change is underway. Mr. Precious Darkwa highlights growing awareness, youth engagement, and education as key to overcoming challenges, with the Ghana AI Summit 2025 fostering collaboration.

 March 23, 2025

Despite the immense opportunities artificial intelligence (AI) offers, Ghana‘s potential to harness its full power is constrained by deep-rooted cultural barriers. These barriers, according to Mr. Precious Darkwa, a data scientist and educator with over five years of experience in AI, are primarily shaped by traditional views, societal perceptions, and a lack of awareness. But as AI continues to shape the global landscape, change is on the horizon.

“African culture, and particularly Ghanaian culture, has always been more inclined towards traditional knowledge,” Mr. Darkwa explains. “In Ghana, for example, we’re used to seeing things from a more linear perspective, with practical experience sometimes outweighing theoretical understanding. The idea of machines or systems making decisions on their own can feel foreign to many, which limits how we approach technology.”

But this mindset is not the end of the story. According to Mr. Darkwa, there is a strong push toward overcoming these barriers, especially as AI becomes a significant force in solving real-world problems. “We’re beginning to see a shift,” he notes. “Younger generations are more open to the idea of technology taking the lead in various aspects of life. There’s a growing awareness of how AI can be a tool for innovation and development.”

His work as an AI mentor and educator, which has seen him train over 500 students globally, reflects the shift he envisions. “I’ve mentored students from diverse backgrounds, helping them secure roles at global tech companies like Telecel, Aya Data, mPharma, and Stack AI. Many of them had to overcome cultural perceptions that AI was out of their reach,” he shares. “The real work is helping them understand that they can create solutions that impact industries, economies, and communities.”

While these cultural challenges are not easily surmountable, Mr. Darkwa is confident that they are not insurmountable. “The key is in educating and building awareness. People need to see AI not as a threat, but as a tool that can enhance their lives and businesses. If we continue to engage with communities and show them how AI can align with their values, we can break down these barriers.”

Looking ahead, Mr. Darkwa is optimistic about the growing AI landscape in Ghana, particularly with upcoming events like the Ghana AI Summit 2025. “The summit is a great opportunity to showcase the strides we’ve made and continue pushing for greater understanding and acceptance of AI in the country. It’s a platform to bring together global and local experts to collaborate and exchange ideas. This is key to dismantling the cultural barriers and accelerating Ghana’s role in the AI revolution.”

As Ghana continues its journey into the AI revolution, it’s clear that cultural perceptions will continue to play a role. But with experts like Mr. Darkwa leading the way, and events like the Ghana AI Summit providing vital platforms for collaboration, the future looks promising. He believes that as awareness grows and cultural perspectives evolve, Ghana’s AI potential will rise, unlocking opportunities for innovation, job creation, and global recognition.