Ghana Roundup: AI tools in local languages, new Trade office in China, Accra Reset in Davos

AI tools in local languages

Ghana is set to expand access to education through artificial intelligence tools developed in local languages, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has announced. Speaking on Facebook on Friday, January 23, Iddrisu said he recently engaged with the Vice President of Google at the Generative AI Summit in the United Kingdom to discuss strategies for improving learning outcomes across Ghana and Africa. The initiative, part of Google’s $37 million investment in Africa, will include the development of speech recognition and AI tools for Ghanaian languages such as Twi, Ewe, and Dagbani, with a particular focus on non-standard speech patterns to make digital learning more accessible to students who speak these languages at home.

New Trade Office in China

Ghana plans to deepen trade and investment relations with China by opening a new Trade Office in Nanjing, Shandong Province, in 2026, Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare announced. The minister made the disclosure when the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa, paid a farewell call in Accra on Thursday, January 22. She said the initiative is aimed at promoting and strengthening bilateral trade and investment cooperation between the two countries and providing Ghanaian businesses with a stronger presence in one of the world’s largest economies. Ofosu-Adjare also stated that Ghana is ready to sign the Zero-Tariff Agreement with China, which will facilitate easier market access for Ghanaian goods and services.

COMAC reacts to Star Oil exit

The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has been shaken by the unexpected suspension of Star Oil’s membership, COMAC Chairman Gabriel Kumi said in an interview on Joy News’ PM Express, Business Edition, on Thursday. Kumi described the move as a “complete surprise,” given Star Oil’s long-standing role and influence within the chamber, where it currently holds the vice-chair position. The decision comes amid growing disagreements over the petroleum price floor, a policy that has divided players in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector. Kumi emphasised that Star Oil has been a key member of COMAC and has contributed significantly to the chamber’s growth and success.

Kwesi Arthur royalty claims

Ground Up Chale, the former management company of Ghanaian musician Kwesi Arthur, has rejected claims by the artist that he earned nothing from his works during his time with the label. Jonathan K. Amable, counsel for the company, described the claims as false during a conversation on local radio show Joy FM X Spaces hosted by Kwame Dadzie on Thursday, January 22, and presented email correspondence between the parties showing that Kwesi Arthur had received royalty payments. “In that email, Glen details payments that had been made to Kwesi, which he never disputed. It says, ‘to date, you have benefited from £91,370 in royalty disbursements,’” Amable said. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions in Ghana’s music industry over artist management, contract transparency, and royalty payments.

Mahama urges Africa to prioritise skills, innovation and production

President John Dramani Mahama has urged African leaders to prioritise skills development, regional cooperation, and domestic production to avoid falling behind in a rapidly changing global economy. Speaking at the Accra Reset Davos Convening on Thursday, January 22. Mahama warned that Africa must innovate and build competitive economies to meet the expectations of its youthful population, which is increasingly demanding jobs and opportunities. He stressed that education should be closely aligned with the real needs of modern economies, emphasising digital skills, green energy expertise, and manufacturing capabilities as critical areas for investment.