Prudential Bank’s Chief Information Officer, Leopold L.L. Armah, has urged a fundamental shift in Ghana’s workforce preparation for an artificial intelligence (AI) future. He emphasized that technical skills must be balanced with creativity, analytical thinking, and the right attitude.
Mr. Armah made this call during a panel discussion at the Ghana AI Summit, focusing on “AI, Skills, Talent, and the Future of the Workforce.” He highlighted that digitalization has become the new normal, driven by evolving customer expectations and emerging technologies. These technologies include cloud computing, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
This push for AI literacy aligns with Ghana’s broader economic trajectory towards digital transformation. The Bank of Ghana, for instance, has actively promoted digital payments and financial inclusion, recognizing technology's role. The shift in banking, from physical branches to embedded financial services powered by AI, demonstrates this rapid evolution. This transformation affects job markets, requiring new competencies and a proactive approach to skill development across various sectors.
Mr. Armah noted that banking has changed significantly in the past two decades, moving from traditional over-the-counter transactions to AI-powered embedded services. He stated, “The banking I used to know when I used to accompany my mother to the bank was mainly over-the-counter transactions. Today, banking is embedded in virtually everything we do and it is being powered by AI.” This evolution underscores the urgency for a skilled workforce capable of adapting to technological advancements.
The implications for Ghana’s economy are substantial. Without a deliberate effort to foster AI literacy and develop local content, Ghana risks remaining a consumer of foreign AI technologies. This could hinder economic growth and innovation. Decision-makers in education and industry must collaborate to nurture local ideas and build indigenous AI models. This proactive approach will ensure Ghana participates as a creator, not just a user, in the global AI landscape. The emphasis on human-centred skills also suggests that jobs requiring complex problem-solving, creativity, and interpersonal communication will remain vital.
Mr. Armah stressed that employers now prioritize what candidates can demonstrate over traditional academic qualifications. He called AI literacy, especially at the university level, critical and essential. This indicates a need for curriculum reform and practical training programs. The Ghana AI Summit itself brought together industry leaders, academics, and policymakers. Their collective aim is to explore AI's opportunities and challenges within Ghana.
He urged academia and industry to work more closely to nurture ideas and build local content. Mr. Armah warned that without this deliberate effort, Africans risk remaining consumers of AI rather than creators. He questioned, “Are we going to leave our people who cannot speak English out of this movement?” This highlights the importance of inclusive AI development that caters to local languages and contexts. The development of local AI models can address unique Ghanaian challenges and create new economic opportunities.
Ultimately, while AI transforms the world of work, the human element remains irreplaceable. Mr. Armah affirmed, “There is still a strong element of human-centredness, because it is the human that drives the AI after all.” This perspective suggests that future job roles will increasingly involve managing, designing, and interacting with AI systems. Ghana’s educational institutions and businesses must therefore invest in training that combines technical AI knowledge with essential human skills. This strategy will ensure a resilient and adaptable workforce ready for the future economy.