Ghana risks losing its competitive advantage in the rapidly changing media industry. Investments are needed to prepare communication professionals for the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Professor Eric Opoku Mensah declared this on July 10, 2026. He is the Vice Chancellor of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC).
The rise of AI is fundamentally changing all areas of communication. This includes journalism, broadcasting, advertising, and film production. Institutions like UniMAC must rethink how they train future media professionals. Communication education must evolve to meet the demands of a technology-driven world. AI chatbots already transform how information is created, distributed, and consumed.
Ghana’s economic growth often hinges on its ability to adapt to global technological shifts. This warning follows broader trends where digital transformation impacts various sectors. The government has prioritized digitalization across the economy to boost productivity. Investing in AI for the media sector aligns with this national strategy. Such investment is crucial for Ghana to maintain its regional leadership in media and cultural influence.
“If you are a training institution like UniMAC, then you need to understand how the university positions itself to deliver the kind of pedagogy that is needed to train the 21st century or AI-driven communication well,” Professor Opoku Mensah stated. He spoke on Personality Profile with Lexis Bill on Joy FM. UniMAC, as Ghana’s only specialized communication and media university, plays a critical role. It must produce professionals capable of competing globally.
This requires significant investment in infrastructure and technology. Professor Opoku Mensah called for increased government support. This support would enable UniMAC to establish state-of-the-art AI laboratories. It would also improve facilities and expand infrastructure, including student accommodation. He believes this investment will ensure UniMAC graduates can compete with professionals from leading global media organizations. These include entities like the BBC and CNN.
Strengthening communication education is essential to maintaining Ghana’s influence. The media remains a powerful tool in shaping Ghana’s global image. It also plays a key role in telling Africa’s own story. UniMAC’s vision is to become a center of excellence for communication education in Ghana and the sub-region. This involves embracing innovation and preparing students for the future of media. Without this investment, Ghana risks falling behind other nations in media innovation. This could impact its ability to attract foreign investment in the creative industries. It could also affect its soft power projection across the continent and globally.