HOPin Academy launches Northern AI lab

By Samuel SAM

HOPin Academy, an entrepreneurial training and innovation hub based in Tamale, has launched the Northern Ghana AI Lab to advance artificial intelligence (AI) research and innovation in the northern part of the country.

The lab will serve as a research and innovation hub to foster collaboration among academia, industry, government and civil society, while conducting both foundational and applied AI research tailored to the region’s challenges in healthcare, agriculture, education, job creation and economic inclusion.

The initiative also aims to empower communities across Northern Ghana by providing equitable access to knowledge, tools, skills and partnerships needed to co-create, deploy and sustain responsible AI innovation that addresses socio-economic needs and drives inclusive growth.

In collaboration with partners, the lab is expected to help address historic regional imbalances in digital transformation by creating opportunities for local communities, universities, civil society and innovators to participate meaningfully in Ghana’s AI ecosystem. It also seeks to ensure that Northern Ghana is not left behind in the country’s AI-driven future.

The launch event in Tamale brought together representatives from academia, civil society, technology professionals, innovators, development partners and traditional authorities. The initiative is intended to position Northern Ghana as a national and regional leader in responsible and inclusive AI research and innovation.

Speaking at the event, Winnie Dzidonu, Senior Manager for Digital Channels and Product Innovation at MTN Ghana, said AI deployment must be guided by fairness and access.

“AI should not deepen existing social and regional inequalities; Ghana’s AI future should reflect resilience, innovation and inclusion,” she said.

The Board Chair of HOPin Academy and Executive Director of STAR-Ghana Foundation, Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko Amidu, commended the initiative, saying the lab would ensure that AI solutions are designed for and by communities in Northern Ghana while addressing the region’s development priorities.

MacCarthy Mac-Gbathy, Co-founder of HOPin Academy, said the lab reflects the organisation’s commitment to advancing digital transformation across Northern Ghana.

“This lab will give students, early-career researchers and innovators the skills and resources to develop inclusive and sustainable AI solutions that respond to their socio-economic challenges,” he said.

Founded in 2013 as a youth-led digital skills initiative, HOPin Academy has supported more than 500 start-ups and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and trained over 10,000 young people in digital and entrepreneurial skills.

Mr. Mac-Gbathy added that the academy aims to grow into a leading technology and business innovation hub with operations across three regions in Northern Ghana while continuing to promote youth innovation, entrepreneurship and community development.

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