Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is embarking on a significant initiative to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its academic and operational frameworks, aiming to enhance teaching, learning, and administrative processes.
At the Ghana Data Science Summit 2024 and the 5th Anniversary of the INDABAX Ghana conference, hosted by KNUST’s Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab (RAIL), stakeholders highlighted AI’s transformative potential under the theme “Unleashing the Potential of AI through Grassroot Engagement.”
Prof. Mrs Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice Chancellor of KNUST, underscored AI’s critical role in the 21st century and announced plans for a summer school on AI.
This program aims to equip lecturers and staff with essential AI skills such as data analysis, machine learning, and natural language processing, to ensure efficiency and effectiveness across the university’s operations.
Prof. Dickson emphasized the university’s unwavering commitment to preparing an AI-ready workforce and nurturing researchers equipped to lead globally, instilling a sense of dedication and determination.
Under the leadership of Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, RAIL has collaborated with the Ministry of Communication and Digitization, GIZ, and others to draft a national AI strategy to advance Ghana’s AI agenda.
Delali Agbenyegah, executive chair of the conference, emphasized the importance of inclusive AI education. This concept advocates for AI education that is accessible to all, regardless of their background or expertise, from a foundational level. It promotes broader awareness and capacity building in AI across sectors, ensuring that everyone can benefit from AI’s potential.
Prof. Kponyo, Scientific Director at RAIL, highlighted AI’s potential to generate 97 million new jobs globally and its transformative impact on agriculture, healthcare, and finance sectors, sparking optimism and excitement.
He underscored the urgent need to integrate AI education into Ghana’s curriculum to ensure we leverage its benefits responsibly, creating a sense of importance and necessity.
“At RAIL, we are leveraging AI to revolutionize disease identification and treatment, demonstrating its potential to preempt and mitigate health challenges,” Prof. Kponyo explained.
The initiatives launched at KNUST reflect Ghana’s strategic efforts to harness AI for economic development while ensuring responsible deployment to mitigate potential risks.
