By Alex Ababio | Solution Journalism Report
In Ghana, cybercrime is growing fast, and it is costing us millions of cedis every year. But at the same time, farmers are also struggling because they don’t get the right information or tools to increase their crop yield. Now, some experts and government officials believe Artificial Intelligence (AI) can solve both problems — if we act fast.
Let’s explore how AI, when used wisely, can protect us online and help farmers grow more food.
Cybercrime is Costing Ghana Big
Ghana lost about $9.8 million to cybercrime in 2022, according to the Cyber Security Authority (CSA). Many of these crimes include mobile money fraud, fake online shops, email scams, and data theft.
“Cybercriminals are getting smarter, and many use AI to trick people or steal money,” said Dr.Albert Antwi-Boasiako, the Former Director-General of CSA, in an interview. “We need stronger digital defenses, and AI can help us detect and stop threats early.”
But what makes it worse is that many Ghanaians don’t even know when they are being targeted.
How AI Can Help Stop Cybercrime
AI systems can now scan large amounts of data to find patterns. For example, they can catch phishing messages, block fake websites, and protect personal data.
“AI can monitor online behavior in real time and warn users before harm happens,” said Ethel Cofie, cybersecurity expert and CEO of EDEL Technology Consulting. “We’re training Ghanaian tech workers to build smart AI models that understand local scams.”
Ghana is also learning from countries like India and Estonia. In Estonia, AI helps protect government websites and citizens’ information. In India, AI tools now detect mobile fraud faster and more accurately.
– Farmers Also Need AI — Not Just Banks and Telecoms
In the Upper East Region of Ghana, Alhaji Issahaku Fuseini, a maize farmer, said he almost gave up farming due to crop failures.
“I don’t understand English well, so when extension officers talk to us, we don’t get the message,” he said. “We need help in Dagbani or Mampruli.”
This is where AI personal assistants can help.
Government’s AI Plan for Farmers
In an exclusive interview, the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Hon. Sam George, said that the government is launching a new project to help farmers using AI voice tools.
“We are developing AI-powered voice assistants in local languages to guide farmers,” Hon. George said. “This will cover weather updates, planting advice, pest control tips, and market prices — all in their own dialect.”
The pilot project will begin in the Northern Region and expand to other areas. It is supported by the Ghana-India Digital Cooperation Fund and the UNDP Digital Public Goods Programme.
“These voice assistants will work even with basic phones,” he added. “It’s a digital revolution for agriculture.”
Real-Time Support Can Boost Agric Yields
Agricultural expert Dr. Ama Boakye, who works with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), believes AI will be a game-changer for food security.
“We are seeing up to 40% losses in yield due to poor timing, pests, or wrong fertilizers,” she explained. “If farmers had real-time guidance, yields could go up by 25 to 35 percent.”
She added that in Kenya, a voice AI app called Hello Tractor has helped farmers find tractors for rent and get advice, leading to better harvests.
What Ghana Can Learn from Other Countries
In countries like India, farmers use AI-powered apps like Kisan GPT which give voice instructions in local languages. In Brazil, AI drones are used to monitor crops and soil quality. These countries have seen strong improvements in food production.
“Ghana must not wait,” said Dr. Bernard Otabil, an agricultural economist. “We can adapt these tools for cassava, yam, cocoa, and maize.”
Cybersecurity for Farmers Is Just As Important
While AI voice assistants are helpful, they also come with risks.
“We must protect farmer data,” warned Sophia Larbi, a data rights activist with Internet Society Ghana. “If not, their voice or ID could be hacked and used for scams.”
The Ministry says they are putting in strong protections, using end-to-end encryption and data storage in Ghana to stop foreign misuse.
📂 Cybersecurity and AI Need Investment — and Laws
To make AI tools and cybersecurity work, experts say Ghana needs better funding and laws.
“We are asking Parliament to approve the AI Regulation Bill and new cybersecurity funding,” said Hon. Sam George. “We also want to reduce fees on Right to Information (RTI) requests, so journalists and watchdogs can keep everyone honest.”
Currently, journalists like myself pay up to GH¢100 per page for certain public data, which slows down investigations and weakens digital transparency.
Voices from the Fields
Back in the Northern Region, some farmers are already testing early versions of the local language voice assistant.
Amina Salifu, a rice farmer in Tamale, said, “It told me when to apply water and when to wait. My rice did better this time.”
Others, like Kwame Adongo, still struggle with phone access.
“We need support to buy phones that can use the voice tool,” he said.
Solutions Are Possible — If We Act Now
This story is not just about problems. It is about real solutions.
AI can detect and stop cybercrime before it spreads.
AI voice tools in Twi, Ewe, Dagbani, and more can boost farm production.
Better laws, funding, and local innovation can make Ghana a leader in digital agriculture.
Hon. Sam George ended our interview with hope: “We want to see a Ghana where no farmer is left behind. AI should work for the people — not just the powerful.”
💡 What Needs to Happen Next
1. Train farmers on how to use voice AI tools in their own languages.
2. Cut RTI fees so that journalists can expose fraud and protect data rights.
3. Pass digital safety laws to stop misuse of AI and citizen data.
4. Support local startups building smart tools for agriculture.
AI is not just a fancy idea. In Ghana, it can stop scams, grow food, and protect poor communities — if we use it well. This is our chance to build a better, safer, more productive Ghana with technology made for everyone.