By Rashidatu IBRAHIM
In order to mitigate the risk of cybercrime and security breaches while utilising AI in the country’s digital systems, it is critical to implement robust cybercrime laws, regulations and other necessary measures, Moses Kwesi Baiden, Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Margins ID Group, has said.
According to him, while it is relevant that the country harnesses the power of AI to build a safer, more transparent and prosperous society, the issue of security must be taken seriously.
“The benefits of artificial intelligence are not without downsides. AI and quantum computing can aid criminals in finding vulnerabilities in cryptography, software and applications, and can be used to create fake biometric templates. This could lead to an increase in cybercrime, the creation of false identities and theft of personal data for criminal activities.
“We must consider the potential drawbacks of integrating AI with the Ghana Card system. One major concern is the issue of data privacy and security. As we collect and store vast amounts of personal information, there is an increased risk of data breaches and unauthorised access.
“To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to implement robust cybercrime laws, regulations, defence tools, regular security audits and quantum-proof computing to combat the risks posed by artificial intelligence,” he said.
Mr. Baiden expressed these concerns at the 8th Ghana CEO Summit, where he delivered a keynote speech on the topic ‘Reigniting Growth, Charting a Path Forward: Transforming Ghana’s National Identity Infrastructure through Artificial Intelligence (Al) Transformation’.
Exploring the potential integration of AI with the Ghana Card System, Mr. Baiden indicated that while the Ghana Card and its technology infrastructure demonstrate readiness, the people must also be ready by familiarising themselves with AI and becoming experts in its use – both in businesses and government.
He called for collaboration with local and international players in the development of clear ethical and legal frameworks for the proper use of AI, to ensure that the benefits of are not eroded by its threats.
He urged government and private companies to invest in getting their human resources ready and capable to use the technology.
Both government and private businesses should be making similar investments to ensure our continued relevance in this 4th or 5th industrial revolution.
Additionally, Mr. Baiden called on the institutions to work at maintaining balance between AI and human oversight, stressing the need for humans to remain in control of decision-making while AI serves as support.
“The integration of AI could lead to over-reliance on technology, potentially reducing the role of human judgment in critical decision-making processes. To mitigate this, it is essential to maintain a balance between AI and human oversight. Humans should remain in control of decision-making processes, with AI providing support and enhancing their capabilities rather than replacing them entirely.”
Through a globally recognised partnership with the National Identification Authority (NIA), Margins ID Group and its subsidiaries have established a multi-sectoral National ID Card – the Ghana Card – that meets international standards and offers citizens a convenient and secure means of proving their identity, both offline and online.
The system’s foundation lies in its three profiles: e-passport, e-ID and match-on-card, with the storage of all 10 fingerprints and face on the card giving it offline verification capabilities.
“The National ID data can be used to plan budgets and test the assumptions underlying policies, manifestos and other initiatives aimed at delivering services to the public, such as education,infrastructure, subsidies and healthcare.
“With accurate data, generative AI can predict the future with remarkable speed and precision; enabling leaders, such as presidents, to make accurate decisions at the touch of a button and manage the distribution of resources. For example, with the registration of babies from birth we now have accurate information on the birth rate in each area.
“With a comprehensive National Identity Register (NIR) and a best-in-class Ghana Card, coupled with the ability to use AI to analyse this data for public and private research within the confines of the law, we can envisage our future with precision and certainty. This allows us to harness our demographic dividend, making the most of our data – the new gold – through the contributions of our talented and powerful young minds,” he further said.
