Ghana institute discusses regulation and ethical guidelines for AI

The theme for the discussion was ‘Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers’, which focused on raising awareness of consumer rights in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), empowering consumers, and for corporate organisations to know their responsibilities in safeguarding consumer rights. 

In his welcome address, the National President of CIMG, Dr Daniel Kasser Tee, reflected on the journey that led to the recognition of March 15 as a pivotal moment for consumer advocacy globally, and for CIMG’s consumerism agenda.  

“Last year, we celebrated by focusing on ‘Empowering Consumers Through Clean Energy Transitions’. This year, our attention turns to recognising the indispensable role that AI plays in today’s digitised world. From personalised recommendations on e-commerce platforms to automated customer service chatbots, AI has become ubiquitous, particularly in urban centres with internet connectivity,” said Dr Kasser Tee. 

Offering insight into the intricate development process of artificial intelligence, Chief Technology Officer at AIDEC Digital, Mr Emmanuel Gbeve, highlighted that “developers engage in a process known as machine learning, where the system is fed with processes and tasked to reproduce outcomes”.  

This process, he explained, “sits atop another layer called deep learning, mirroring the complexity of the human brain”. Mr Gbeve underscored the potential risks associated with AI if consumer protection measures are not diligently implemented. 

AI will revolutionise our way of life 

Addressing the level of regulation required, President of Academic City College, Professor Fred Mcbagonluri contended that “AI will revolutionise our way of life the same way smartphones did”.  

He continued: “We need to consider its impact on fields like medicine, agriculture and education – and set boundaries wisely. Our nation should focus on homegrown solutions and avoid signing protocols without understanding the full effects on our way of life. How can we make AI work for us and what boundaries can we set around it?” 

Representing the Chief Executive Officer at the Cyber Security Authority was the communications lead in charge of Capacity Building and Awareness Creation, Mrs Mary Ama Bawa. She spoke on Ghanaians’ understanding of artificial intelligence.  

“This year, part of what we are doing is to ensure that we touch every region. The notion is to let people understand that the Internet of Things is available; that AI is on our doorstep. While these technologies offer opportunities, they also pose threats”. 

Speaking on behalf of the Data Protection Commission was the Deputy Director, Tech and Ethics, Mr Maxwell Ababio.  

He revealed that “since 2019, the commission has been working with the UN Global Pulse through the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, and has been tasked to develop Ethical Guidelines of AI. We are done with the draft, which is now awaiting approval. Once approved, there will be a national sensitisation programme”.