SPEECH DELIVERED BY HON. URSULA OWUSU-EKUFUL (MP), MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITALISATION, NATIONAL STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP ON ETHICS OF AI: CATALYZING AI READINESS IN GHANA AT ALISA HOTEL
Source: ministry_of_communications_ghana

1 Draft Speaking Notes Theme: NATIONAL STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP ON ETHICS OF AI: CATALYZING AI READINESS IN GHANA Venue: Alisa Hotel Date: 30th September 2024 The Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences - Gabriela Ramos, (online) H.E. Irchad Razaaly, Ambassador, European Union Delegation to Ghana Mr. Charles Abani, United Nations Resident Coordinator Mr. Edmond Moukala, UNESCO Representative to Ghana Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, The International debate on the adoption and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has gained significant momentum in recent years and has intensified as countries seek to harness digital technologies to respond to socio -economic challenges. AI technologies can help promote inclusive economic growth, benefit society significantly, and empower individuals. It is no longer news that AI will be a dr iving force behind the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The question is: How can AI's potential in Africa and Ghana be best harnessed? 2 The responsible development and use of AI can drive the country to achieve the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The benefits brought by the adoption and use of AI can improve the work environment and quality of life and create the potential for attaining a human-centred future society with opportunities for everyone , including women and girls, as well as vulnerable groups. The regulation of AI and the development of appropriate frameworks to ensure the ethical application of AI technologies to support humanity is at the embryotic stage across nations , especially in Africa. Ghana has a unique opportunity to learn from the steps and errors of others while developing an approach to the ethic al use of AI and related technologies that supports the development of society, promotes social cohesion, empowers individuals and communities, and reflects the ethics of Ghanaian society. This must be achieved in a manner that enables cooperation and interoperability with other regional and international approaches without diluting the essence of Pan -African and Ghanaian cultural heritage. Ghana has drafted a National AI and the Ethical Use of AI Strategies, a significant step towards the responsible and ethical use of AI, with the support of GIZ and the UN Global Pulse, respectively. The Government of Ghana , with technical support from UNESCO , is taking proactive steps to assess and promote the resili ence of existing laws, policies 3 and institutions related to AI adoption and implementation in the country. This, along with the alignment of the AI systems with the values and principles set out in the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) using the AI readiness assessment methodology (RAM) , will ensure a robust regulatory framework . Based on these comprehensive needs assessment s, UNESCO and the Government of Ghana will co -design strategic AI frameworks, the corresponding regulatory frameworks and the institu tional capacities to promote the ethical development and use of AI in priority areas. The objectives of the National Stakeholder Workshop on the Ethics of AI aims to: • Convene a multisectoral stakeholder group and discuss the nation’s current AI landscape. • Raise awareness o n the ethical implications and societal impacts of AI technologies. • Introduce International frameworks, guidelines, and best practices for AI. Today’s workshop launches the 12-member National Steering Committee of experts constituted to oversee the assessment of AI Readiness in Ghana and provide the platform for critical discussions aimed at integrating ethical considerations into the national and state-level AI strateg ic programs by 4 ensuring that the deployment of AI technologies aligns with public welfare and adheres to international standards. As we launch the RAM tool, I call upon all stakeholders , including government agencies, private sector companies, academic institutions, civil society organisations, and the public, to participate actively in this process. Let us work together to ensure that AI technologies are developed and used to benefit all members of our society, particularly the marginalised and vulnerable. I end by reiterating that the launch of the Readiness Assessment Measurement (RAM) tool marks a significant step forward in our journey towards digital transformation and the use of ethical AI. It is a testament to our commitment to harnessing the power of AI responsibly, guided by the values and principles outlined in the UNESCO Recommendation. Together, we can create a future where AI technologies contribute to a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world. Thank you.