LocationsGhana and Japan Bolster National Resilience with 3 new Health, AI and Peacebuilding Initiatives
April 15, 2026
Senior government officials, representatives from the Government of Japan, the United Nations, and key partners pose for a group photograph following the launch of three Japan-funded initiatives to advance health, digital innovation, and peacebuilding in Ghana at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra.
Accra, Ghana – 15th April 2026: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ghana have jointly launched three complementary projects to address emerging development and security challenges in the country.
Funded by the Government of Japan under its Fiscal Year 2025 Supplementary Budget (JSB), the initiatives aim to strengthen human security through digital transformation, resilient health systems, and peacebuilding efforts.
The three projects; “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Improve Health Outcomes while Addressing Risks to Human Security,” “Accelerating Public Sector Digital Transformation through Capacity Building,” and “Towards Achieving the Humanitarian–Development–Peace (HDP) Nexus in Bawku” are designed to enhance national capacity to responsibly harness emerging technologies such as AI for theGovernment of Ghana to responsibly and effectively design and implement AI programs and policies for public benefit, and to improve health outcomes while adressing the potential risks associated to the use of technologies, and promote resilient and sustainable peace in vulnerable communities.
The human security for AI in health project will support Ghana’s digital health transformation by strengthening institutional capacity to adopt and govern artificial intelligence responsibly within the health sector. It will contribute to improved disease surveillance, enhanced data privacy and cybersecurity for health information systems, increased digital literacy among health workers, and the piloting of AI-enabled early warning systems for climate-sensitive diseases such as malaria, cholera, and meningitis.
The public sector digital transformation project will focus on building institutional capacity for responsible AI adoption, strengthening digital literacy and data governance, and supporting the integration of digital tools to improve service delivery across the public sector.
In parallel, the HDP Nexus in Bawku project will support peacebuilding and conflict prevention efforts in the Bawku municipality, which has experienced recurring tensions over several decades. With the focused approach of Humanitarian Development and Peace (HDP) Nexus, the initiative will strengthen dialogue platforms, support mediation processes, build media capacity for conflict-sensitive reporting, and improve access to essential services such as safe water, contributing to sustainable peace and social cohesion.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, underscored that the initiative aligns with Government’s broader agenda of strengthening institutional capacity and building long-term resilience.
“Beyond addressing immediate development challenges, this initiative represents a strategic investment in Ghana’s future strengthening our capacity to respond to emerging risks while safeguarding stability and prosperity for generations to come.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, delivering remarks at the launch
H.E. Yoshimoto Hiroshi, Ambassador of Japan to Ghana, highlighted the strong and longstanding partnership between Japan and Ghana, noting that the initiatives reflect a shared commitment to human security and sustainable development.
“These projects reflect our shared commitment to human security—placing people at the centre of development while promoting peace, innovation, and resilience. Japan remains committed to working with Ghana and the United Nations to co-create solutions that strengthen institutions and build a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable future.”
H.E. Yoshimoto Hiroshi, Ambassador of Japan to Ghana, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s development through human security, innovation, and peacebuilding initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health, Belinda Afriyie Nimako, Director for Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in strengthening Ghana’s health system. She noted that the initiative will support improved service delivery and expand access to quality healthcare.
“Harnessing artificial intelligence presents a significant opportunity to improve public health outcomes in Ghana. By embedding AI into our health system, we can enhance efficiency, advance equity, and build a more resilient healthcare system that serves all citizens.”
Belinda Afriyie Nimako, Director for Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health
Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, emphasised the central role of digital transformation and artificial intelligence in shaping Ghana’s future, noting that Government is taking deliberate steps to build a strong and inclusive AI ecosystem.
“Digital technology and artificial intelligence will define the transformation of our economies, governments, and societies in this century. Ghana is determined to ensure we are not left behind. Through initiatives like this, we are building the capacity to develop responsible, inclusive AI systems that strengthen governance, improve service delivery, and create public value.”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, delivering his remarks
Prosper Douglas Bani, National Security Advisor, highlighted the importance of inclusive approaches to peacebuilding, particularly the role of traditional leadership in strengthening dialogue and mediation efforts.
“By leveraging traditional leadership and integrating these structures into broader governance and national security frameworks, we are strengthening dialogue and advancing sustainable peace. This approach is critical to ensuring stability while creating opportunities and shared prosperity for future generations.”
Hon. Prosper Douglas Bani, National Security Advisor, underscoring the role of inclusive dialogue and traditional leadership in advancing sustainable peace in Ghana.
Niloy Banerjee, UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana, highlighted that the initiatives reflect a coordinated approach to strengthening resilience through health, digital innovation, and peacebuilding. He noted that by investing in robust health systems and responsible technology, Ghana is better positioned to address complex and interconnected development challenges while advancing inclusive growth.
“These initiatives demonstrate how strengthening health systems and advancing responsible digital innovation can reinforce stability, build resilience, and drive sustainable development. With limited time remaining to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, there is a clear need for urgent and coordinated action and UNDP Ghana will continue to work with partners to deliver practical, people-centered solutions that leave no one behind.”
Mr. Niloy Banerjee, UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana, delivering remarks
Dr Fiona Braka, WHO Representative in Ghana, noted that the initiative comes at a critical time as digital innovation continues to transform health systems.
“This initiative comes at a time when digital innovation is reshaping health systems and will enable responsible integration of artificial intelligence to strengthen epidemic intelligence, climate-sensitive surveillance, and real-time public health decision-making, while upholding robust data governance and system resilience”, Dr Fiona Braka, WHO Representative in Ghana.
Dr Fiona Braka, WHO Representative in Ghana delivering her remarks
Zia Choudhury, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, underscored the importance of coordinated approaches in addressing complex development challenges.
“These three initiatives demonstrate the value of the United Nations working together with Government and partners to deliver integrated, people-centred solutions. By bringing health, digital innovation, and peacebuilding into one coherent programme, we are ensuring that investments not only respond to immediate challenges but also strengthen systems and protect communities.” He said
Mr. Zia Choudhury, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, emphasising the importance of coordinated, people-centred approaches in delivering integrated development solutions.
By integrating technological innovation with health systems strengthening and peacebuilding, the JSB 2025 programme enhances Ghana’s ability to respond to complex and interconnected challenges, from public health risks to conflict dynamics and digital transformation.
The initiative aligns with Ghana’s national development priorities, global commitments to safe and trustworthy artificial intelligence, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also underscores the strong and enduring partnership between Ghana, Japan, and the United Nations in advancing inclusive and sustainable development.
All three programmes will run from March 2026 to March 2027 and will engage stakeholders across government, health institutions, local communities, academia, and the private sector.
For further information and media enquiries, please contact:
Emelia Ainooson, Communications and Partnerships Lead, UNDP Ghana |emelia.ainooson@undp.org
ABDUL-LAHIE, Abdul-rahim Naa, Communications Officer, WHO Ghana
Notes to Editors:
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