Ghana’s AI Policy: A Promise Unfulfilled?

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.

Source:techreviewafrica.com