Ghana and Burkina Faso are seeking to strengthen the skills and adaptability of their public-sector workforces as they explore the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies in government.
The two countries are examining ways to deepen cooperation in human capital development, public sector reforms and administrative cross-learning to help their institutions respond effectively to the changing nature of work.
The discussions formed part of the 10th edition of the HR Café, the flagship annual Human Resource Management forum of the Government of Burkina Faso, which is being held in Accra as its first international edition.
Held under the theme, “Shaping the Future of Work: Human Capital, Artificial Intelligence, and Administrative Cross-Learning between Ghana and Burkina Faso,” the conference brought together about 300 participants from Ghana, Burkina Faso and selected partner institutions.
Participants include senior government officials, policymakers, heads of public institutions, human resource professionals, academics, professional associations, civil society organisations and young professionals.
Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration) at the Office of the President, said the changing nature of work made it necessary for governments to invest in people alongside technology.
She said sustainable public sector transformation could not be achieved through systems and technology alone, stressing the need for “capable, ethical, innovative, adaptable people” who could lead and manage institutional change.
According to her, Ghana’s public sector reform agenda is focused on reducing inefficiencies, strengthening transparency and accountability, promoting professionalism and developing human capital while harnessing digital technologies to improve public service delivery.
She cited the National Public Sector Reform Strategy II, which includes measures to build a capable and disciplined workforce, digitise public sector systems and improve conditions of service.
On AI, Madam Bampoe Addo said the technology could transform public administration by supporting decision-making, automating routine processes, increasing productivity and enabling more data-driven policymaking.
However, she cautioned that the adoption of AI must be accompanied by proper workforce planning, skills development, ethical standards and effective data governance.
“We must, therefore, move beyond asking simply what technology can do, and focus equally on how technology can be used responsibly to build better institutions and improve the lives of citizens,” she said.
She noted that Ghana had already begun applying digital technologies in public service delivery, citing the digitalisation of passport applications and the Ghana Revenue Authority’s AI-enabled trade valuation platform as examples.
She therefore urged participants to use the forum to develop practical ideas, partnerships and recommendations that could translate discussions into improvements in public institutions in both countries.
Mr Larry Gabriel Latif Gbevlo-Lartey, Special Envoy of the President of Ghana to the Alliance of Sahel States, said the conference reflected the longstanding relationship between Ghana and Burkina Faso.
He said the two countries shared a common history, aspirations and destiny, making collaboration in human resource management, public administration and institutional development important to their respective progress.
Mr Ousmane Sandwidi, Head of the Burkina Faso Organising Committee, described the event as historic and expressed appreciation to Ghana for hosting the international edition.
He said the conference should provide a platform for the two countries to strengthen knowledge and skills-sharing while improving public sector governance.
The HR Café is designed to bring together human resource practitioners, policymakers, academics and other stakeholders to exchange experiences and innovations in human resource management.
The 2026 edition is expected to deepen professional exchanges between Ghana and Burkina Faso and examine how human capital and emerging technologies can contribute to more efficient, accountable and citizen-centred public services.
The programme also includes expert sessions on human resource management and public sector transformation, as well as visits to selected Ghanaian institutions to facilitate practical cross-learning between officials from the two countries.
