RAIL Sponsors and Lectures at the 2022 WiSTEM KNUST Stanbic Girls’ Camp 

As part of its mandate, the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab (RAIL) seeks to increase female STEM participation and establish a sustainable approach to nurturing local talent to undertake responsible AI research and innovation. In line with this goal, RAIL gave a lecture on 27th September 2022 during the parallel session of the 2022 WiSTEM girls’ camp and was part of the sponsors of the 5-day camp.

The camp was themed “Equipping females with complete skill sets for addressing future developmental challenges” and encouraged female participation in STEM education, programs and leadership roles. Over two hundred (200) female students from 23 senior high schools across the country participated. 

Chairman for the opening ceremony, Pro-Vice Chancellor, KNUST, Prof. Ellis Owusu-Dabo, affirmed KNUST’s commitment to STEM education.

“We have a certain mandate towards ensuring that, at the least, we improve the gross enrollment of the girl child. As part of her mid-term strategy toward gross enrollment, I can assure you that the Vice Chancellor has decided that within the next ten years, KNUST should have active parity for male-to-female enrollment,” he said. 

He added that, as females are equipped with complete skill sets, a building block of attitude should be attached. He then advised participants to develop a positive attitude and strive to be the best in their respective fields.  

Other dignitaries at the opening ceremony were the Member of Parliament for Asokwa constituency, Madam Patricia Appiagyei, Dean of Quality Assurance and Planning Office/Principal Investigator and Scientific Director, RAIL, Prof. Jerry John Kponyo and President of WiSTEM, Professor Ibok Oduro.

Participants were taken through counselling and mentoring sessions, parallel and laboratory sessions, field trips and project presentations.

Dr. Henry Nunoo-Mensah, Programmes Coordinator, RAIL, gave a comprehensive lecture on the concepts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and exposed students to the skills needed for a career in AI. He enlightened students on the prospects and globally available opportunities in AI.

Dr. Nunoo-Mensah touched on why AI solutions must be responsible. “AI solutions should be delivered with integrity, equity, respecting individuals, and always being mindful of social impact,” he said. He mentioned that AI solutions must be evaluated according to established standards (ISO 26000) and frameworks (FACT, FATE, FACETS). “These considerations tend to encourage the building of AI systems that are Responsible and Trustworthy,” he added. 

Awards were given to outstanding schools and participants during the camp’s closing ceremony.