Digital transformation strategist Cherubim Mawuli Amenyedor has urged Ghanaians to move beyond viewing Artificial Intelligence (AI) solely as models and applications. He stated that Ghana must instead perceive AI as a five-layer ecosystem, beginning with energy, to effectively tap into the projected $30 billion AI opportunity for Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.
Amenyedor delivered this charge at "Freedom250: Leveraging U.S. A.I Technologies for Business Success: An Exchange Alumni Perspective." The US Embassy Ghana in Accra organized this event. He stressed that a comprehensive understanding of AI is crucial for the nation's economic future.
This call aligns with Ghana's broader economic diversification efforts and its push for digital transformation. The country aims to build a robust digital economy to create jobs and enhance productivity. Embracing a full-spectrum AI strategy could significantly boost Ghana's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and foster innovation across various sectors. This strategic shift is vital as global economies increasingly rely on advanced technological capabilities.
"AI is more than ChatGPT," Amenyedor, a Chevening Scholar and Mandela Washington Fellow, stated. He urged participants to adopt a holistic view of AI. He explained that the AI ecosystem progresses from energy to chips, then to infrastructure, before reaching models and applications. He highlighted that current training often limits understanding to just models and apps. He also emphasized the importance of discussing AI governance at all levels, including energy, chips, infrastructure, models, and platforms.
A 2024 Google report projects that AI could contribute up to $30 billion to the Sub-Saharan African economy by 2030. Amenyedor challenged Ghanaians to consider how much of this economic opportunity the country intends to capture. He also warned that AI will displace some jobs, necessitating upskilling and retooling the workforce to remain relevant in the AI age. This dual impact of job creation and displacement requires proactive policy responses.
The training session moved participants from basic to advanced levels of using AI tools, focusing on responsible application. Amenyedor taught attendees how to use advanced prompting techniques to interact effectively with machines. He cautioned against blindly accepting AI outputs, advocating for critical evaluation. The session covered credible U.S. tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini, alongside other platforms. A key takeaway was understanding how to use AI within existing professional software, known as MCPs (Machine-Controlled Processes). This integration can unlock unprecedented productivity levels.
From a policy perspective, Amenyedor identified education as the crucial starting point for Ghana's AI readiness. He argued that the current education system, often focused on rote memorization, must evolve. He believes education should prepare children and students for an AI-first world, fostering critical thinking and maximizing knowledge utilization. He supports integrating AI into the classroom to ensure Ghanaian children can compete globally. He noted that the workplace will adapt as demand drives supply, but foundational education is paramount.
Amenyedor also advised journalists on leveraging AI to combat misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation. He recommended investing in high-level literacy and equipping journalists with AI tools for rapid fact-checking. He suggested exploring local context tools, such as "Vox" by Nigerian techie Celestine, which supports West African languages. This approach helps journalists verify information quickly and accurately in a fast-paced digital environment, enhancing media credibility.