EY Ghana Urges Companies to Adopt AI: Trillion-Dollar Driver for Future of Work in Ghana

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, AI adoption in Ghana is no longer optional—it’s essential for competitiveness. At a recent seminar hosted by the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) and EY Ghana, experts highlighted AI’s potential as a trillion-dollar economic force. This article breaks down the key insights, offering a pedagogical guide to help Ghanaian businesses navigate the future of work with AI.

Introduction

The “AI & the Future of Work” seminar in Accra brought together business leaders, policymakers, and startup executives to discuss AI’s economic impact in Ghana. Organized by UKGCC and EY Ghana, the event underscored the urgency for Ghanaian companies to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) strategies. Speakers like Nah-Abiah Al-Hassan, Senior Manager at EY Ghana, and Martin Bortey, Associate Partner, emphasized AI’s role in driving global transformation and creating opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

With the global AI market valued at $1.56 trillion today and projected to reach $15.7 trillion by 2030, Ghana stands at a crossroads. Failing to prepare could mean missing out on 230 million digital jobs expected in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. This introduction sets the stage for understanding why AI upskilling in Ghana is critical for sustainable growth.

Analysis

The seminar provided a deep dive into AI’s transformative power, analyzing its implications for Ghanaian workplaces through data-driven insights.

Global and Regional AI Trends

AI is reshaping industries worldwide by automating routine tasks, enhancing decision-making, and boosting productivity. In Ghana, this shift is particularly relevant as businesses transition from manual processes to AI-powered systems. Martin Bortey explained how economic eras have evolved—from agriculture to machinery in the industrial revolution, and now to AI in the digital age. He posed a key question: Will AI become the next major driver of wealth creation? Historical patterns suggest yes, with AI enabling new efficiencies and innovations.

EY Work Reimagined Survey 2025 Insights

Drawing from the EY Work Reimagined Survey 2025, Nah-Abiah Al-Hassan revealed stark realities: 88% of workers use AI for basic tasks, yet only 12% have received substantial training. This gap highlights low structured readiness despite high interest. The survey, conducted globally, offers verifiable benchmarks for Ghanaian firms assessing their AI maturity.

Summary

In summary, EY Ghana leaders urged immediate action on AI adoption in Ghanaian companies. Key takeaways include AI’s trillion-dollar trajectory, the need for workforce preparation amid Sub-Saharan Africa’s digital job boom, and strategies to balance technology with human elements. The event, featuring expert panels, launched a UKGCC-EY Ghana series on digitalization, equipping attendees with tools for the AI-driven future of work.

Key Points

Practical Advice

EY Ghana provided actionable steps for businesses embarking on AI upskilling in Ghana. Nah-Abiah Al-Hassan recommended starting with AI literacy programs, investing in employee training, and fostering continuous learning cultures.

Step-by-Step Implementation Guide

1. Assess Current Readiness: Use surveys like EY’s to gauge AI usage and training gaps.
2. Build AI Literacy: Offer structured training beyond basic tasks to empower workers.
3. Design Human-Centric Workflows: Integrate AI to enhance, not replace, human roles—focus on clear communication and trust-building.
4. Pilot and Scale: Begin with small AI pilots, learn from outcomes, and expand gradually.
5. Leverage Partnerships: Join events like the UKGCC-EY series for tools and networking.

These steps, drawn directly from seminar guidance, help companies improve productivity while prioritizing employee well-being. For instance, transitioning to AI-powered processes can streamline operations, as seen in global case studies where decision-making speeds up by 40-50% with AI analytics.

Panel Recommendations

The panel offered sector-specific tools: Tech consultants like Tracy Gyebi stressed scalable solutions, while architects like Franklin Eleblu focused on infrastructure readiness. Founders like Julian Owusu highlighted startup agility in AI integration.

Points of Caution

While AI promises growth, the EY survey flags risks. 37% of workers fear losing expertise due to over-reliance on AI, and 64% report increased workload stress. Additionally, 56% bring personal AI tools to work due to insufficient organizational support, risking data security and inconsistencies.

Mitigating Risks

To address these, Al-Hassan advised deliberate upskilling and balanced workflows. Businesses must avoid overwhelming employees by communicating AI’s role as an enhancer. Low training levels (only 12%) signal a readiness gap that could widen inequalities if unaddressed.

Comparison

Business leaders’ attitudes toward AI vary, as outlined by Bortey: skeptics dismiss it, wary dabblers experiment minimally, opportunists seek quick wins, and forward-thinkers view it as an empowerer. In Ghana, this mirrors global divides but with unique stakes—Sub-Saharan Africa’s 230 million jobs contrast with slower adoption rates in emerging markets.

Historical Economic Eras vs. AI Age

Unlike past eras, AI’s speed demands proactive preparation in Ghana to capture digital jobs.

Legal Implications

While the seminar focused on opportunities, AI adoption in Ghana involves verifiable legal considerations under the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843). Businesses must ensure AI systems comply with data privacy rules, obtaining consent for personal data processing and conducting impact assessments. No specific AI regulations exist yet, but alignment with global standards like the EU AI Act principles is advisable for ethical deployment. EY’s human-centric advice supports this by emphasizing trust and transparency.

Conclusion

EY Ghana’s call to action is clear: Embrace AI adoption in Ghana to harness its trillion-dollar potential and secure a share of Sub-Saharan Africa’s digital future. By prioritizing upskilling, piloting innovations, and addressing cautions, companies can transform challenges into opportunities. As Shirgade Laryea of UKGCC noted, participating in digitalization series builds confidence for lasting impact. The future of work AI in Ghana is bright for those who act now.

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