In a
bid to harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the benefit of
its citizens, Ghana's Minister of Communications and Digitalisation (MoCD, Ursula
Owusu-Ekuful announced plans to develop a comprehensive policy document to
regulate the use of AI in the country. However, six months after the
announcement, the policy remains in limbo, leaving many to wonder if the
promise will ever be fulfilled.
The
Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, revealed in
January that a draft AI policy and ethical guidelines had been developed with
extensive stakeholder consultation. The policy aimed to ensure responsible AI
development and deployment, leveraging its benefits for improved healthcare,
transportation, manufacturing, and energy. The minister expressed optimism that
the draft addressed concerns from all stakeholders.
Despite
the initial enthusiasm, there has been no update on the policy's status since
the announcement. The lack of progress raises questions about the government's
commitment to regulating AI in Ghana. Meanwhile, the European Union has
recently launched its AI Act, a comprehensive regulation on AI that categorizes
applications into three risk categories. This development puts Ghana's delay in
implementing its AI policy into sharp focus.
Although
a national AI policy is still absent, Tech Review Africa can
confirm that a group of AI experts led by Ethel Cofie is developing an AI
curriculum for tertiary institutions in Ghana. This initiative aims to equip
students with AI skills and knowledge, preparing them for a future where AI is
increasingly prevalent. However, without a comprehensive AI policy, the
effectiveness and potential impact of this curriculum remain uncertain.
The
absence of a national AI policy raises concerns about the lack of guidelines
and regulations for AI development and deployment in Ghana. This void may lead
to unregulated AI applications, potentially resulting in ethical and societal
issues. Furthermore, the AI curriculum for tertiary institutions may not align
with national priorities or industry needs, limiting its impact and
effectiveness.
Ghana's
AI policy has the potential to unlock significant benefits for the country, but
its prolonged delay may hinder progress. The government must prioritize the
policy's completion and implementation to ensure that AI is developed and used
responsibly, driving growth and innovation in various sectors. The AI
curriculum for tertiary institutions is a positive step, but its effectiveness
depends on the existence of a comprehensive national AI policy. Ghana must
seize the opportunity to develop a robust AI policy, aligning with global best
practices and unlocking the potential of AI for its citizens.
The
Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation must provide an update on the AI
policy's status and commit to a timeline for its implementation. Stakeholders,
including industry experts and citizens, must continue to advocate for a
comprehensive AI policy that addresses their concerns and promotes responsible
AI development in Ghana. The AI curriculum for tertiary institutions must be
aligned with national priorities and industry needs, ensuring that Ghana's AI
talent is equipped to drive innovation and growth in the country.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
