Professor Jerry John Kponyo, the Principal Investigator (PI) and Scientific Director of The Responsible Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (RAIL), has called for the need to strategically position Africa to harness the positives of AI while guarding against the negatives. He made this call at the Ghana Data Science Summit. According to him, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is impacting every area of our lives, thus, the need to flow with the tide and make the most of it.
The Responsible Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (RAIL) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, in partnership with IndabaX Ghana, organised the Ghana Data Science Summit. The Summit was on the theme “Unleashing the Potential of AI through Grassroots Engagement” and was held from 17th to 20th July 2024.
Presenting on ‘A Brave New World: Responsible AI and Inclusivity Reflections from the Responsible AI Lab, KNUST,’ Professor Kponyo highlighted the immense opportunities AI brings to various sectors, including health, education, food production, transportation, public services, and support for disabilities. He stressed the importance of adapting to remain relevant in the evolving job market. Citing the World Economic Forum, Professor Kponyo noted that approximately eighty-five (85) million jobs are expected to transition due to advancements in AI. He stressed the necessity of acquiring new skills to ensure that humans remain indispensable. "Whether you are an economist, scientist, professor, administrator, or involved in other routine jobs, the solutions you develop must be augmented by AI to enhance their value," he advised.
The Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson intimated that with all the technological advancements happening, it is important that the University takes an interest in them. “We are very interested in this and look forward to harnessing the unique opportunities that come with it while guarding against the negatives,” she said. She underscored the importance of training AI-ready graduates for the workplace and urged participants to keep an eye on the ethical perspectives of AI. She believes in an all-hands-on-deck approach to making AI work more responsibly. To this end, she announced that KNUST, through RAIL, has partnered with the Ministry of Digitisation and GIZ to draft the National AI Strategy for Ghana, which, when adopted, it will serve as a blueprint for all. Therefore, the University intends to build the capacities of its staff in AI. “We do not leave anyone behind; it’s an inclusive education we want to provide for all.”
Mr. Delali Agbenyega of IndabaX Ghana underlined that while many worry about AI taking over jobs, staying relevant depends on understanding and using AI effectively. He called for stakeholder collaboration to build capacity and ensure responsible AI use. He stressed the importance of benefiting from AI advancements, like those in the United States of America and suggested that Ghana can keep the pace by incorporating AI education early in the curriculum. Agbenyega also highlighted the need to address the potential negatives of AI by promoting ethical and unbiased AI development.
This year’s Summit coincided with the 5th Anniversary of IndabaX Ghana. Over the past 5 years, the Summit has successfully brought together over one thousand (1,000) researchers, professionals, and faculty members for capacity building, showcase research, and foster discussions on how emerging technologies can be used for sustainable development in Ghana and beyond.
