Artificial intelligence (AI) holds immense potential for driving economic growth, revolutionizing healthcare, enhancing education systems, and increasing efficiency across multiple sectors.
However, with great power comes great responsibility. The ethical deployment of AI raises concerns about privacy, job displacement, bias in decision-making, and the risk of personal data misuse. These challenges are not unique to developed nations—Ghana, like many other countries, must navigate the delicate balance between progress and protection as it integrates AI into its national framework.
Recognizing the need for a thoughtful approach to AI development, Ghana’s Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation (MoCD), in collaboration with the Data Protection Commission (DPC) and UNESCO, recently launched the Readiness Assessment Measurement (RAM) for the ethical use of AI.
This event in Accra marked a crucial step in exploring how AI can be ethically utilized in Ghana and emphasized the role of AI in shaping the country’s future across key sectors.
At the event, the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, stressed that the AI revolution would transform every aspect of life over the next five years.
“We need to engage with AI thoughtfully, much like we did when addressing cybersecurity. The same careful diagnostic approach will serve us well in AI.”
Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister for Communications and Digitalisation
The Minister’s call for a thoughtful engagement with AI underscored the need for the country to avoid rushing headlong into technological advancements without addressing the societal impacts they might bring.
One of Hon. Owusu-Ekuful’s central concerns was the growing digital divide, which threatens to exacerbate inequalities if left unchecked. While the country is expanding its digital infrastructure, the disparity in connectivity remains a major hurdle for AI integration.
“Without addressing the lack of digital infrastructure, we risk leaving many behind as AI becomes more integral to everyday life,” Hon. Owusu-Ekuful warned.
To address this, the Minister highlighted the government’s efforts to expand nationwide connectivity through the rollout of 4G and 5G networks. The aim is to create a robust digital ecosystem that can support AI adoption, ensuring that AI does not become a tool that further deepens existing divides.
Beyond connectivity, the Minister underscored the importance of maintaining a human-centered approach to AI development. “AI is designed to assist us, not replace us. The final decision always rests with the human, not the machine,” she said, echoing the global sentiment that while AI can automate processes and provide solutions, humans must retain control over critical decisions.
AI Tailored for Ghana
One of the key messages from the event was the importance of ensuring that AI technologies are developed with Ghana’s unique cultural and social contexts in mind.
Mr. Edmond Moukala, Head of UNESCO’s Accra office, noted that Ghana’s selection as one of two African countries for the assessment is both a privilege and a responsibility.
“We need AI systems that understand our languages, values, and traditions. AI is not only a tool for the future, but it must also reflect who we are as a people.”
Mr. Edmond Moukala, Head of UNESCO’s Accra office
Mr. Moukala emphasized, AI systems must be tailored to the African context, avoiding reliance on datasets from other continents that may not reflect the unique needs and realities of Ghana and its neighbors.
This sentiment was further echoed by other speakers, including Mr. James Wright from UNESCO’s headquarters, who warned that poor digital infrastructure could prevent Ghana from fully benefiting from the AI revolution.
Mr. Wright stressed the need for targeted AI training programs, which would equip both public and private sector workers with the skills required to use AI responsibly.
In this regard, Mrs. Patricia Adusei-Poku, Executive Director of the Data Protection Commission (DPC), provided insights into Ghana’s National AI Strategy, which aims to harness AI for national development.
Built on pillars such as capacity building, ethical AI use, and innovation promotion, the strategy envisions Ghana as a continental leader in AI, with solutions that align economic growth with the country’s cultural and social needs.
The RAM assessment represents a crucial step in Ghana’s journey towards embracing AI while safeguarding against its potential negative impacts. By engaging in thoughtful diagnostics, similar to the approach taken with cybersecurity, Ghana can navigate the complexities of AI adoption.
This balanced approach, combining technological advancement with ethical considerations, holds promise for transforming Ghana’s economy, healthcare systems, and educational institutions.
While AI offers exciting prospects for the future, Ghana must tread carefully to ensure that its deployment is ethical, inclusive, and beneficial to all. The government’s efforts, in partnership with international organizations like UNESCO, are commendable first steps in preparing the nation for an AI-driven future.
However, significant work remains to ensure that AI becomes a tool for empowerment rather than a source of division.
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