Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr. | Accra | Saturday, May 30, 2026
An AI researcher and lecturer at Academic City University, Dr. Peter Tettey Yamak, has highlighted the critical role of research, data and innovation in strengthening Ghana’s food sovereignty agenda through artificial intelligence.
Speaking at the sixth edition of the Beyond AI Series workshop in Accra, Dr. Yamak commended the strong participation of young people and encouraged them to view agriculture as a business opportunity rather than merely a means of food production.
He explained that research remains essential in understanding food systems, predicting agricultural trends and developing AI-powered models capable of improving supply chains and farm productivity.
“To achieve food sovereignty, everybody must come on board. Research plays a vital role in helping us understand agricultural systems and develop solutions that can improve productivity,” he stated.
Dr. Yamak noted that Ghana’s recently launched AI policy provides a framework for integrating technology into key sectors, including agriculture.
According to him, the country has made important strides toward AI adoption, although much work remains to be done.
He urged stakeholders to harness indigenous farming knowledge and integrate it into AI systems to ensure that technological solutions reflect local realities.
“As researchers, we believe in building with farmers, not for farmers. Their knowledge is valuable and should be incorporated into AI systems,” he said.
Dr. Yamak also encouraged participants to share the knowledge gained from the workshop with others, describing public awareness as crucial to the successful implementation of AI in agriculture.
He stressed that although AI technologies are already being integrated into society, many citizens remain unaware of their potential benefits and applications.
