AI must be made a National Priority – Prof. Kponyo

In collaboration with GIZ, the Data Protection Commission (DPC) organised a residential training for members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Communications where Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, Principal Investigator and Scientific Director, RAIL, presented on the general awareness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance their knowledge of AI and provide the needed buy-in and support for implementing AI strategies.

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Communications comprises Hon. Cynthia Mamle Morrison, Chairperson, Hon. Sylvester Matthew Tetteh, Vice Chairperson, Hon Alhassan Bashir Alhassan Fuseini, Ranking Member, Hon Samuel Nartey George, Deputy Ranking Member. Other members are Hon. Lydia Lamisi Akansariba, Hon. Abed-Nego Bandim, Hon. Anthony Mwinkaara Sumah, Hon. Mohammed Hardi Tufeiru, Hon. Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana, Hon. Jabaah John Bennam, Hon. Geoffrey Kini, Hon Alexander Gyan, Hon. Adama Sulemana, Hon Joseph Frempong, Hon. Charles Acheamong and Hon Dan Abdul-Latif.

In his presentation, Prof. Kponyo defined AI as an array of technologies that rely on algorithms to ‘think’ or ‘act’ to solve a problem. He explained generative AI as a type of AI that creates new content and ideas, including conversations, stories, images, videos and music.

He asserted that the impact of AI on the economy can be significant and multifaceted in job creation and transformation, economic and inclusive growth, and global competitiveness. He referenced countries like Rwanda, Egypt and Tunisia that have embraced digital technologies and AI with National AI Strategies.

He highlighted the AI projects worked on in RAIL KNUST in Health, Agriculture, Energy and the Ethical and Responsible Use of AI.

“Under health, RAIL is working on AI for rare disease diagnosis, AI-powered hearing aid, AI-powered wheelchair for the disabled and AI-powered assistive device for the visually impaired. The crop disease toolbox helps farmers detect crop disease and gives remedies in the local dialects. RAIL is enhancing electricity consumption prediction in remote villages and reviewing and redeveloping the FACET framework.”

Prof. Kponyo advocated for the need for Afrocentric datasets in large language models. He said most of the data utilised to train these models come from Western sources, which creates bias and lack of inclusion in AI solutions.

He added that AI solutions have the potential to revolutionise various industries, but their high cost and lack of accessibility can limit their impact.  

“It is important to explore innovative ways to reduce the cost of AI solutions while maintaining their effectiveness and reliability, ensuring AI benefits everyone, not just the privileged few.”

He also introduced the RAIL Robotics Club for the JHS/SHS initiative and the SHECodes club initiative for female students in KNUST.

In his concluding remarks, Prof. Kponyo said Ghana needs to approve the National AI Strategy and set up an AI Council, AI Labs and Digital Innovation Hubs at strategic locations. He mentioned that regulations to guide the use of AI should be developed with a commitment to integrate AI in the public sector.

“Let us fully commit to making AI a national priority with an AI-driven economy.’