Prof. Kponyo Advocates for Responsible AI and Technological Advancements at Women in Mining Ghana Annual Conference 2024

On 7th June 2024, Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, Principal Investigator and Scientific Director of the Responsible AI Lab (RAIL), addressed the Women in Mining Ghana Annual Conference at the Accra International Conference Centre. His presentation focused on “Leveraging Technology and Automation in Mining to Promote Sustainability and Workforce Diversity: Emerging Trends in Responsible AI.”

Prof. Kponyo emphasised the critical role of sensor-based monitoring in mines, highlighting the efficiency of drone deployment for data gathering in exploratory regions. He noted that AI and technology significantly reduce time and effort but must be deployed responsibly to ensure long-term benefits.

“We need to translate our skills to remain relevant in the mining sector,” Prof. Kponyo stated, underscoring the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the face of technological advancements.

Prof. Kponyo shared insights from his extensive AI research experience and advocated for safe mining practices utilising sensors and Internet of Things (IoT), while stressing the importance of securing IoT systems.

Addressing cybersecurity and data protection, Prof. Kponyo emphasised that data is the lifeblood of AI systems. “We must gather data responsibly, adhering to the Data Protection Act, and build capacity in cybersecurity to secure our networks,” he said.

In his call to action, Prof. Kponyo highlighted the need for courses on emerging technologies and curriculum reviews to include relevant topics. He encouraged collaboration between industry and academia to share expertise and enrich the learning experience.

Recognising Africa’s youthful population, Prof. Kponyo stressed the importance of reskilling individuals to stay relevant while respecting privacy and safety concerns. He advocated for data use with consent and promoted the establishment of robotics and AI clubs at the basic education level, starting with Junior and Senior High Schools, referencing the RAIL Robotics Club initiative.

“We must encourage women to venture into STEM by providing scholarship schemes,” Prof. Kponyo asserted, affirming the equal capabilities of women and men in the field.