GDSS 2025
Post Conference Recap
GDSS 2025 has concluded! Here's a concise recap of key highlights, memorable talks, and actionable insights that shaped our community's journey.
IndabaX Ghana 2025
Theme: From Skills to Impact: Empowering Ghana's Data Science Evolution
Purpose: Knowledge-sharing, networking, and empowerment of Ghana's AI/Data community.
Tutorials
Foundational & advanced expert-led sessions.
Workshops
Hands-on sessions exploring ML/AI tools.
Panels
Interactive discussions on ethics, policy & trends.
Full Program Schedule
Explore our 3-day program packed with keynotes, deep-dives, community events, and collaborative learning.
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00–09:00 | Registration & Mentorship | — |
| 09:00–09:05 | Opening Remarks | Dr. Augustine Denteh |
| 09:05–09:25 | Welcome Address | Kwabena Bamfo |
| 09:25–10:05 | Opening Keynote | Rob Floyd |
| 10:05–10:20 | Group Photo | — |
| 10:20–11:20 | Tutorial – Teaching | Python & ML: Learning Theory
· Optimisation Techniques Gen-AI & Ethics: NLP Fundamentals · LLMs for Summarization |
| 11:20–11:30 | Break | — |
| 11:30–12:30 | Tutorial – Teaching (Repeat) | Same tracks as above |
| 12:30–14:00 | Lunch Break | — |
| 14:00–15:00 | Tutorial – Exercise | Hands-on across all 4 tracks |
| 15:00–16:45 | Panel Discussion | The AI Paradox: How LLMs Empower & Endanger Society |
| 16:45–17:00 | Spotlight Talks | Five rapid-fire 10-min presentations |
| 17:00–17:10 | Closing Remarks | — |
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00–09:00 | Registration & Mentorship | — |
| 09:00–10:00 | Tutorial – Teaching | Python & ML: Intro to Python
· Intro to PyTorch Gen-AI & Ethics: NLP Fundamentals · Fine-Tuning LLMs |
| 11:20–11:30 | Break | — |
| 11:30–12:30 | Tutorial – Teaching (Repeat) | Same as morning block |
| 12:30–14:00 | Lunch & Poster Presentations | — |
| 14:00–15:00 | Tutorial – Exercise | Hands-on practice |
| 16:00–18:30 | Workshops | Advanced project-based sessions |
| 18:30–18:45 | Closing Remarks | — |
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00–09:00 | Registration & Mentorship | — |
| 09:00–09:10 | Opening Remarks | — |
| 09:10–09:50 | Keynote Address | Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO Telecel Ghana |
| 09:50–10:50 | Tutorial – Teaching | Python & ML: Regression &
Classification · Deep Learning for Medical Imaging Gen-AI & Ethics: Foundational NLP · Designing Fair ML Algorithms |
| 10:50–11:00 | Break | — |
| 11:00–12:00 | Tutorial – Teaching (Repeat) | Same as morning block |
| 12:00–13:30 | Lunch Break | — |
| 13:30–14:30 | Tutorial – Hands On | All 4 tracks |
| 14:40–15:25 | Invited / Sponsor Talks | — |
| 15:25–15:40 | Award Presentation | — |
| 15:40–16:00 | Closing Remarks | — |
| 16:00 onwards | 🎉 Closing Party | Courtyard |
Leads & Co-Leads
Deborah Dormah Kanubala
Programs Lead
Joshua Atsu
Programs Co-Lead
Samuel Kwadwo Amedi
Logistics Lead
Linda Davor
Logistics Co-Lead
Elisha Elikem Senoo
Applications & Selection Lead
Amina Salifu
Applications & Selection Co-Lead
Joy Zialesi Atokple
Sponsorship Lead
James Owusu Appiah
Communications Lead
Joseph Sa-Ambo
Communications Co-Lead / Graphic Designer
Deborah Dormah Kanubala
Programs Lead
Deborah Dormah Kanubala is the co-organizer for the WiMLDS Accra-Ghana and also a PhD student at Saarland University, Germany. Her Ph.D. Research is focused on Developing Fair Machine Learning Models. Listed in 120+ Women Spearheading Advances in AI, 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics list for 2024.
Joshua Atsu
Programs Co-Lead
Joshua Atsu is an applied mathematician specializing in computational and biological mathematics. His research focuses on mathematical modeling of infectious diseases. He is passionate about leveraging data science to address health and climate-related challenges across Africa.
Samuel Kwadwo Amedi
Logistics Lead
Samuel Kwadwo Amedi brings a combination of skills as both a Data Scientist and Systems Analyst, excelling at leveraging data analysis, statistical modeling, and machine learning to uncover critical insights.
Linda Davor
Logistics Co-Lead
Linda Davor is a Data Analyst, Software Engineer and the Ambassador for Applied Machine Learning Days (AMLD) Africa representing Ghana.
Elisha Elikem Senoo
Applications & Selection Lead
Elisha Senoo is a PhD student at Kumamoto University in Japan, specializing in knowledge distillation and model compression for deploying AI models in resource-constrained environments. Co-founder of AiMlCamp.
Amina Salifu
Applications & Selection Co-Lead
Amina Salifu is a PhD candidate in Computer Engineering at KNUST, focusing on developing inclusive and ethical AI systems, with interest in speech technologies and low-resource language processing.
Joy Zialesi Atokple
Sponsorship Lead
Joy Zialesi Atokple holds a bachelor's in Mathematics from KNUST and an MPhil in Scientific Computing. Currently pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Data Science.
James Owusu Appiah
Communications Lead
Electrical engineer and enthusiast of emerging technologies. Passionate about ML, AI, Deep Learning, IoT, Digital Twin systems, and Physics.
Joseph Sa-Ambo
Communications Co-Lead / Graphic Designer
Joseph Sa-Ambo is a final-year Optometry student at the University of Cape Coast and a visual designer aiming to utilize technology to create access to health equity.
Tutorial Facilitators
Meet the experts leading our in-depth tutorial sessions.
Nana Sam Yeboah
ML Engineer
MinoHealth AI Lab
Felix Tetteh Akwerh
Data Scientist
KNUST
Audrey Eyram Agbeve
Biomedical Research Assistant
KCCR
Adobea Essien
Dealer Operations Analyst
Autochek Africa
Erica Akanko
MSc CS Student
University of Ghana
Adwoa Asantewaa Bremang
Research Support Staff
Ashesi University
Rahmat Akintola
Technical Support Mentor
MEST Africa
Precious Darkwa
Data Scientist
Independent
Eugene Tettey Ayerkain
Data Science Instructor
Blossom Academy
Jesse K. Han-Naa Murah
Backend Engineer
CogniX
Joshua Otis
Freelance
Clifford Mills
Investment Intelligence Analyst
Teleperformance SE
Joshua Teye Tettey
Research Assistant
KCCR
Nana Sam Yeboah
ML Engineer · MinoHealth AI Lab
Track: NLP & Healthcare
Nana Sam Yeboah is a Machine Learning engineer specializing in NLP and deep learning within healthcare and education. At MinoHealth AI Lab he develops robust, interpretable AI systems for resource-constrained settings.
Felix Tetteh Akwerh
Data Scientist · KNUST
Track: Backend & Language Models
Felix holds an MSc in Computer Science from KNUST. He developed dashboards with FastAPI, forecasting models with Prophet & XGBoost, and co-authored papers on Ghanaian language NLP.
Audrey Eyram Agbeve
Biomedical Research Assistant · KCCR
Track: AI for Health
Audrey is a Biomedical Research Assistant at KCCR focusing on LLM-driven digital health innovations and chatbot development.
Adobea Essien
Dealer Operations Analyst · Autochek Africa
Track: Data Analytics
Adobea Essien is a Data Science professional in Business Intelligence and AI-driven solutions.
Erica Akanko
MSc CS Student · University of Ghana
Track: AI in Drug Discovery
Erica holds a BSc in Biomedical Engineering and researches ML for drug discovery.
Adwoa Asantewaa Bremang
Research Support Staff · Ashesi University
Adwoa supports research activities in AI and data science at Ashesi University.
Rahmat Akintola
Technical Support Mentor · MEST Africa
Track: Open Source & Django
Rahmat is a software engineer, Programs Lead at WiMLDS Accra & Everything Open Source, and Django Software Foundation member.
Precious Darkwa
Data Scientist · Independent
Track: ML Mentorship
Precious Darkwa is an AI mentor with 5+ years experience, training 1,000+ students and implementing AI solutions at Telecel, Aya Data, mPharma, and Stack AI.
Eugene Tettey Ayerkain
Data Science Instructor · Blossom Academy
Eugene holds a BSc in Mathematics (KNUST) and an MSc from AIMS Ghana. He teaches data science and applies math to finance and climate problems.
Jesse K. Han-Naa Murah
Backend Engineer · CogniX
Track: API & ML Tools
Jesse is a backend engineer exploring LangChain4J and DeepLearning4J at CogniX. He led AI/ML at Google DSC KNUST.
Joshua Otis
Freelance
Joshua Otis is passionate about mathematics, economics, and ML startup coordination.
Clifford Mills
Investment Intelligence Analyst · Teleperformance SE
Clifford has a background in data science, healthcare, and market research.
Joshua Teye Tettey
Research Assistant · KCCR
Track: Medical Imaging AI
Joshua trains foundation models for medical imaging at KCCR and develops AI-enabled medical devices at Visicane Technologies.
Keynote Sessions
Meet our distinguished keynote speakers and their topics.
Dr. Rob Floyd
Director for Innovation & Digital Policy, ACET
Day 1, 09:25–10:05
"We Better Get This Right: Data Science and the Future of Economic Development"
Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai
CEO, Telecel Ghana
Day 3, 09:10–09:50
"From Skills to Impact; Empowering Ghana's Data Science Revolution"
Your Host & Welcome Address
The voices that guided GDSS 2025.
Joy Tari-Bagshaw
MC / Host
Joy Tari-Bagshaw is a Software Engineer, Developer Advocate, and Community Leader. As the first female Google Developer Student Club Lead at her university, she has driven tech inclusivity, digital empowerment, and AI literacy across diverse communities.
Kwabena A. Bamfo
Welcome Address
Kwabena A. Bamfo teaches and mentors in Computing, Data Structures, Data Science, and AI. With degrees from Ashesi University and France's UTBM, he champions problem-based learning and applies AI to solve local and global challenges.
Dr. Rob Floyd
Director for Innovation & Digital Policy, ACET
Rob Floyd is the Director for innovation and digital policy at the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET). He has led programs on AI in economic policymaking, digital infrastructure, and technology-enabled green industrialization. Previously, Rob served at the World Bank as Chief of Staff to two Presidents and oversaw $2 billion annual lending programs.
Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai
CEO, Telecel Ghana
Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai is an electrical engineer and the first Ghanaian CEO of Vodafone Ghana (now Telecel Ghana). She holds a BSc from KNUST, an Executive MBA from University of Ghana Business School, and has completed executive education at Kellogg, London Business School, and INSEAD. A passionate advocate for STEM and youth empowerment.
Joy Tari-Bagshaw
MC / Host
Joy Tari-Bagshaw is a Software Engineer, Developer Advocate, and Community Leader. As the first female Google Developer Student Club Lead at her university, she has driven tech inclusivity, digital empowerment, and AI literacy across diverse communities.
Kwabena A. Bamfo
Welcome Address
Kwabena A. Bamfo teaches and mentors in Computing, Data Structures, Data Science, and AI. With degrees from Ashesi University and France's UTBM, he champions problem-based learning and applies AI to solve local and global challenges.
Panel Discussion
The AI Paradox: How LLMs Empower and Endanger Society
Moderator: Adiza Alhassan (kuburatuadiza5@gmail.com)
Adiza Alhassan
Panel Moderator
Research & Innovation Officer at Ghana Water Limited. Programs Co-Lead at Divas in AI. Women Tech Makers Ambassador. Pursuing MSc in AI.
Blaise Bayuo
Blaise is a tech and public policy researcher, Senior Fellow at ACET. He has extensive experience in AI, blockchain, and IoT thought leadership. Previously worked at the Tony Blair Institute on tech policy.
Ohemaa Afriyie Akoto
Policy-focused digital transformation specialist at the Bank of Ghana. Supports the design of national policies around fintech and payment regulation. Completing an MSc in Business Analytics at Imperial College London.
Joycelyn Otchere
Data Analyst, Co-founder of Kixara (AI startup), and Training Programs Lead for OQD Women-in-Tech. Has tutored over 80 women across six countries in data analytics.
Abigail Annkah
Google AI Research Engineer in Ghana, applying computer vision to improve agriculture, education, and the built environment. Contributed to Google Open Buildings Dataset. Ambassador for Google Mind the Gap.
Jean-Michel Sarr
Dr. Jean-Michel Sarr completed his PhD focusing on neural networks at Cheikh Anta Diop and Sorbonne University. Research engineer at Google working on multilingualism for LLMs. Contributed synthetic data to Gemini 2.5 Flash.
Asiedu Ansu
Head of Data and Analytics Centre of Excellence at Telecel Ghana. Over 20 years of experience driving value across telecommunications, finance, and technology. Professional Member of DAMA.
Workshops
Hands-on sessions and deep-dive abstracts.
AI Sandbox Exercises & Policy Models
Tools for developing responsible & ethical AI in economic policymaking.
Guided simulations of responsible AI deployments at scale. Learn governance frameworks to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability. Apply policy-modeling techniques to real-world African case studies.
Understanding Multimodal Language Modeling
Fusing vision into language: build & fine-tune Vision-Language Models.
Architecture basics of VLMs for captioning & visual QA. Hands-on fine-tuning of a mini VLM. Case study: medical image captioning with open-source tools.
Statistical Inference with Python
A beginner's guide to drawing conclusions from data using Python.
Descriptive stats & probability distributions. Confidence intervals & hypothesis testing with SciPy. Real-world examples from business, healthcare & research.
Practical Computer Vision
From prototyping to production with OpenCV, TensorFlow & PyTorch.
Image classification & object detection fundamentals. Segmentation workflows & model deployment. Case studies in fintech, healthcare & e-commerce.
Conversational AI Made Simple
Building chatbots with Python, Hugging Face & Streamlit.
Integrate Hugging Face APIs & craft effective prompts. Build a Streamlit front-end & understand cost control. Hands-on template to launch chatbots in minutes.
TB Data Verification & IPS Proof of Concept
Generating TB-specific International Patient Summaries.
Proof-of-concept for TB IPS generation from Ghana's DHIS2 E-Tracker. Sandbox aligned with WHO Global Digital Health Certification Network. Standards-based IPS structure & validation workflows.
Poster Session & Research Showcase
10 Poster presentations & 5 Spotlight talks
CNN-Based Accent Similarity Detection Using Masked Spectrogram Reconstruction
We propose a convolutional-spectrogram autoencoder masked reconstruction approach to quantify accent similarity across speech samples, achieving state-of-the-art clustering on labeled multi-accent datasets.
Knowledge of AI use and Prediction of AI Adoption among selected residents in the Greater Kumasi Area of Ghana
This study surveys local perceptions of AI utility and employs logistic regression to predict adoption likelihood across 500+ respondents.
A Hybrid Deep Learning-Based Stochastic Bottom-up Framework for Enhancing Electricity Demand Prediction in Rural Electrification
A hybrid framework combining stochastic bottom-up modeling with LSTM networks to forecast electricity demand in rural microgrids, demonstrating 15% error reduction.
WaveNet: Efficient High-Resolution Image Classification Using Wavelet-Domain Inputs
A Wavelet-domain preprocessor feeding into a lightweight CNN, improving classification accuracy on high-resolution remote-sensing imagery with 40% fewer parameters.
From Limited Contexts to Rich Data: Elevating Twi NLP through Diverse and Verified Datasets
We curate a multi-domain Twi corpus, apply crowd-sourced verification, and fine-tune multilingual BERT, achieving a 25% F1-score boost on sentiment tasks.
Clinical Weight Prediction Using Machine Learning: A Study in a Ghanaian Tertiary Hospital
Retrospective EHR data from 1,200 patients informed a gradient boosting model predicting adult weight class with 92% accuracy.
Attn-DeCGAN: Enhancing Mode Diversity and Structural Fidelity in CycleGAN for Medical Image Translation
We augment DeCGAN with self-attention modules for cross-domain medical image translation, yielding 18% SSIM improvement.
An Interpretable ML Framework for Accurate Stroke Prediction with a User-Friendly Frontend
Combining SHAP explanations with Flask GUI, our XGBoost pipeline predicts stroke risk (AUC=0.87) with actionable feature-importance insights.
A cloud-native ML application to predict respiratory health outcomes in Accra, Ghana
Kubernetes-based microservices preprocess multi-source sensor data with ensemble regressors forecasting daily respiratory admissions at 85% accuracy.
A Wavelet-Enhanced Transformer-LSTM-PSO Framework for Streamflow Forecasting
Discrete wavelet transforms decompose hydrological signals fed to a transformer-LSTM backbone optimized by PSO, outperforming pure LSTM by 12% on NSE.
Startup Expo & Innovation Showcase
An exciting showcase of pioneering startups at the intersection of Data Science, AI, and real-world problem-solving.
Kixara
AI-powered personalized learning platform adapting educational content to individual learning styles.
Naasoft Technologies
Developing enterprise SaaS solutions leveraging ML for business process automation.
Visicane Technologies
AI-enabled medical devices aimed at improving diagnostics in developing regions.
SQooL
Cloud-based learning management & academic performance analytics for African schools.
Megh Computing
Accelerated computing hardware for edge AI deployments in Africa.
MinoHealth AI Labs
Building AI models for healthcare diagnostics tailored to African contexts.
Interested in exhibiting at our next event?
Showcase your innovative AI/data science product to 200+ participants.
Contact UsSponsors & Partners
GDSS 2025 was made possible by the generous support of these organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
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