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Ghana institute discusses regulation and ethical guidelines for AI

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2024

CIMG marks World Consumer Rights Day with a panel discussion on topic of ‘Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers’.

The Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana (CIMG) recently marked the occasion of World Consumer Rights Day with a panel discussion at the Coconut Grove Hotel in Accra.

Members of the panel discuss fair and responsible AI for the country’s consumers. Photo: CIMG 

 

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”. 

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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.