The Ghana Ministry of Communications and Digitalization (MoCD), through the Ghana Data Protection Commission (DPC), in collaboration with UNESCO, has launched the Data Protection Status Assessment Program. preparation (RAM) – Ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Accra.
The event aimed to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) could be used ethically in Ghana and the role of AI in shaping the country’s future across various sectors.
The Minister of Communications and Digitalization, Ms. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful (MP), reflected on the transformational impact that AI is expected to have on all aspects of life over the next five years. She shared her thoughts on the parallels between AI development and Ghana’s previous cybersecurity measures.
The Minister highlighted the importance of preparing the next generation for an AI-driven future by investing in AI knowledge and skills.
If we don’t address the lack of digital infrastructure, we risk leaving many people behind as AI becomes more and more an integral part of daily life.
Ms. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister of Communications and Digitalization, Republic of Ghana
She also highlighted the government’s efforts to expand connectivity nationwide, stressing that the deployment of 4G and 5G networks would be key to the adoption of AI in Ghana.
AI is designed to help us, not replace us. The final decision always rests with the human and not the machine.
Ms. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister of Communications and Digitalization, Republic of Ghana
Mr. Edmond Moukala, Head of UNESCO Accra Office, began by highlighting Ghana’s privilege of being one of the two African countries selected for the AI Readiness Assessment.
He stressed the importance of anchoring the development of AI in the cultural and ethical realities of Africa. “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,” he said.
He further highlighted the potential of AI to solve local problems such as improving access to basic services like clean water, healthcare and education in remote areas.
Mr. Moukala highlighted the need to ensure that AI systems are adapted to African contexts rather than relying solely on data from other continents.
Mr. James Wright, Program Specialist at UNESCO Headquarters, discussed the crucial role of AI training and knowledge for public and private sector workers in Ghana.
Without reliable high-speed internet, our children and citizens will be left behind in the AI revolution.
Mr. James Wright, Program Specialist, UNESCO Headquarters
Mr. Wright also highlighted the need for a targeted AI training program, similar to Europe’s ambitious goal of training one billion people in AI over the next five years.
Ms. Patricia Adusei-Poku, Executive Director of the Data Protection Commission (DPC), presented Ghana’s National AI Strategy, focusing on its mission to harness AI for national development.
She highlighted that the strategy is based on several key pillars: capacity building, the ethical use of AI and the promotion of research and innovation.
The vision, she explained, is to make Ghana a leader in AI on the continent, with AI solutions that meet both economic growth and the unique cultural and social needs of the country. .
Mr. Carl Ampah, UNESCO, highlighted the Readiness Assessment methodology, which aims to assess the extent to which Ghana is ready to adopt AI. He shared his insights on the importance of data availability and the need to ensure that AI aligns with the social and cultural context of the country.
He highlighted the practical challenges of deploying AI, particularly in terms of infrastructure and digital culture.
Present were the Chief Director of the MoCD, Mr. Alexander Yaw Arphul, directors and staff of the MoCD, representatives of the Data Protection Commission, GIFEC and the Ghana Domain Name Registry.
