Ghana risks falling behind for decades, even centuries, if it fails to embrace artificial intelligence, Daniel Kwaku Merk, Country Director of Zipline Ghana, warned on Wednesday.
Speaking at the JoyNews Digital Economy Forum on AI and the Ghana Economy on October 21, Merk argued that technological disruption should not be feared solely as a threat to jobs or existing industries. Instead, it offers opportunities that often only become clear after new technologies are deployed.
“If I take a step back and I look at disruption versus opportunity, I think disruption in itself is an opportunity, and that’s what we definitely have experienced,” Merk said. He added that technology often delivers results beyond initial expectations, making experimentation necessary. “Things are possible in terms of technology delivery; you can’t anticipate the outcome until you actually do it. So there’s far more possible that you can envision initially.”
His remarks came amid mounting debate over AI’s potential to reshape economies and transform sectors ranging from healthcare to finance. For Ghana, the challenge lies not only in adopting AI but also in identifying practical applications that improve productivity and support economic growth.
Merk emphasised the need for Ghana to invest in digital infrastructure, develop relevant skills, and encourage innovation so that public institutions, businesses, and workers can adapt as AI technology becomes more widespread.
Zipline’s operations in Ghana provide a working example of technology applied to practical problems. The company uses autonomous aircraft to deliver medical supplies to health facilities, including those in remote areas. This service has improved access to essential medicines, demonstrating how new technology can address longstanding service-delivery challenges.
The broader AI conversation raises similar questions about how emerging tools might enhance public services and expand opportunities for businesses and individuals. Turning these possibilities into lasting economic benefits will depend on Ghana’s ability to prepare its workforce and cultivate local expertise.
Merk’s warning about missing the AI opportunity echoes a growing urgency among technology leaders. “For me, the way I see it, it is an opportunity that we cannot miss. I think it’s like one of those technologies that, if we miss the train, will last for decades, if not centuries,” he said.
His comments suggest a deep concern that Ghana could face long-term setbacks if it fails to engage with AI’s potential now. The country’s digital economy is at a crossroads where decisions made over the next few years will shape its trajectory for decades.
Merk’s insistence on experimentation and risk-taking in technological adoption contrasts with fears that AI will simply disrupt jobs and markets. Instead, he frames disruption as a form of opportunity that can unlock new possibilities, though the exact outcomes remain uncertain until tested.
This perspective places Ghana’s challenge as more than a technological issue. It is a question of how the country’s economy and institutions can adapt to rapid change and harness tools that might redefine how work is done and services are delivered.
The emphasis on practical gains, such as those demonstrated by Zipline’s use of autonomous drones, points to a focus on measurable impact rather than abstract potential. The country’s future AI strategies will likely need to balance innovation with tangible improvements in sectors critical to development.
Merk’s comments at the JoyNews forum highlight the stakes involved. Ghana must act quickly to avoid long-term consequences that could slow its economic progress and widen gaps with countries that embrace AI technologies more readily.
As AI continues to evolve globally, Ghana faces a test of how swiftly and effectively it can integrate these tools into its economy and society. The coming years will reveal whether the country can turn AI’s promise into concrete advancements or risk being left behind.
According to Joy Online.
