By Elizabeth PUNSU, Kumasi
An expert in telecommunication engineering, Professor Jerry John Kponyo, has emphasised the country’s need to strategically position itself to maximise the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) while minimising its negative impacts.
Speaking at the Ghana Data Science Summit held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Prof. Kponyo noted that AI is a game-changer – driving the fourth industrial revolution and transforming economies in agriculture, healthcare, energy, finance and businesses.
While acknowledging concerns about AI’s negative effects, Prof. Kponyo – who is also Scientific Director of the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab (RAIL) – advocated for harnessing AI’s positives while guarding against its negatives.
He then commended Ghana’s AI Strategy (2023-2033) and urged swift action to implement it, citing Rwanda’s successful roll-out as a model.
Prof. Kponyo further highlighted the importance of creating Afrocentric datasets and making AI accessible to all, ensuring that AI systems are built responsibly and with unbiased data.
He emphasised that the country must recognise AI’s transformative potential and intentionally plan to leverage its benefits, driving economic growth and sustainable development.
“By harnessing AI’s positives and guarding against its negatives, Ghana can position itself for economic growth, improved healthcare and sustainable development. With a clear strategy and collaborative efforts, Ghana can unlock AI’s potential, driving progress and innovation while mitigating risks,” Prof. Kponyo said.
Senior Data Science Lead at Data Science Network, Delali Agbenyegah, also echoed Prof. Kponyo’s sentiment – stressing the need for capacity building, awareness creation and grassroots involvement.
He noted that involving local communities in AI development ensures that solutions address their specific needs, making AI more impactful and beneficial.
The Ghana Data Science Summit, which was on the theme ‘Unleashing the Potentials of AI Through Grassroots Engagements’, brought together experts to discuss AI’s role in driving sustainable development.
Participants emphasised the need for responsible AI development, balancing benefits with caution, to ensure AI systems benefit Ghanaian communities.
About Ghana Data Science Summit
The Ghana Data Science Summit (IndabaX Ghana) is a vibrant summit where Ghana’s data science community converges to inspire, innovate and illuminate the path forward in the realm of Data Science and Machine Intelligence.
Celebrating its 5th anniversary this year, IndabaX Ghana brought together a diverse mix of the world’s most brilliant minds driving change and shaping the future of technology, analytics and artificial intelligence.
