The Minister for Communication, Honorable Samuel Nartey George, during the launch of the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, stated that Ghana must guide how AI is used to fully optimize its benefits for the country.
The National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence aims to inculcate AI into driving the development of Ghana. Honorable Samuel Nartey George, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, at the program engaged a sample of the AI-integrated system named Aku.
The Minister, in his bid to depict how the AI will make work easy, demonstrated it with a conversation with Aku, an AI automated system. The AI system spoke several of the Ghanaian languages, which reflects the intelligence and ability of AI to communicate and get work done.
In his speech, he asserted that AI is in Ghana to “support Ghana’s ambition not to define it”. He noted that AI, when implemented, will help solve some challenges in some sectors of the country.
One of the sectors he touched on is education. He stated that, “AI should be the catalyst for education to reach every child in Ghana”. Artificial Intelligence, when implemented, will help improve access to education.
This will be made possible by removing geographical barriers, enhancing personalized learning, and offering 24/7 access to study materials and other leaders across the globe.
In the area of healthcare, Hon. Samuel Nartey George reiterated that the implementation of AI into health will help to address the inequalities in the health systems. AI helps in the early detection of sicknesses and the needed medication for treating the disease.
Artificial intelligence has the capacity to detect structural inequalities in the health system as well as detect health conditions that would have been otherwise difficult to diagnose. He noted that, “the possibility is significant for us as a country.”
AI To Boost Trust In Financial Systems
Hon. Smauel Nartey George emphasized how AI can boost trust in the financial systems. Artificial Intelligence, when used in the financial sector, can be used to detect fraud, reduce operational mistakes, and provide effective and efficient customer service.
The Minister also highlighted how AI can be used to assist farmers and fishermen. In farming, AI will help in detecting crop diseases, automated weed control systems, and enhance irrigation methods.
On the issue of fish farming, using underwater cameras to spot the location of fish, it will improve the work of the fisherfolk.
The Minister cautioned that even though AI is useful in improving accuracy and effectiveness, Ghanaians must, however, guide how it is used. Artificial intelligence must be used to ensure smooth operations and not be used to undermine it.
He stated that ethics and caution must be applied when using AI to enable it to positively impact the lives of Ghanaians. On speaking about the vast benefits of the initiative, he said: “We hope we can explore the endless possibilities of AI together.”
He applauded the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, who was present at the occasion, for his unwavering support towards the initiative. He reiterated that it reflects the president’s commitment to the digital advancement of the country.
He said the President has helped to drive Ghana’s digital journey by demonstrating his willingness to ensure the success of the AI National Strategy. He also opined that Ghana will take full participation in the emerging digital technology.
This is to ensure that Ghana is not left behind in the global new wave that AI is impacting in the world. As nations implement AI for their benefits, Ghana also seeks to enhance such.
“We intend to use AI ethically and responsibly and in accordance with a well-thought-out governance framework. This technology will transform our economy and improve our people’s lives.”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George
We expressed our appreciation to the partners who made the initiative possible. He believes that effective collaboration between the partners will ensure the success and effectiveness of the initiative.
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