KNUST Stakeholders Highlight AI’s Importance; Plan Comprehensive Integration in Education

Stakeholders at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) are emphasising the critical role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern education and various essential activities. During the Ghana Data Science Summit 2024 and the launch of the 5th Anniversary of the INDABAX Ghana conference, hosted by KNUST’s Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab (RAIL), the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson, highlighted the necessity of incorporating AI in the 21st century to enhance efficiency in work processes.

The event was themed “Unleashing the Potential of AI through Grassroot Engagement.” Prof. Dickson announced that the university plans to organise a summer school on AI for lecturers and staff to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge, ensuring KNUST remains a leading science and technology institution.

“It is important for us that as we train the next transformational leaders not just for the country or sub-region, not just for Africa but globally, we need to focus on training an AI-ready workforce and equipping the new generation of researchers with the knowledge and skills that we need to stay on top of our game,” she stated. She also revealed that KNUST, through RAIL and under the leadership of Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, has partnered with the Ministry of Communication and Digitisation, GIZ, and other stakeholders to draft a national AI strategy.

Once adopted, this strategy will serve as a blueprint to advance the country’s AI agenda. The executive chair of the conference, Delali Agbenyegah, emphasized the need for inclusive and comprehensive AI education at the basic level.

He highlighted the conference’s aim to build capacity and create awareness about AI, showing how Ghanaians could leverage AI in various sectors to improve systems and processes. Agbenyegah mentioned the conference’s commitment to responsible AI training, noting that 1,500 people have been trained since its inception in 2019.

Scientific Director at RAIL, Prof. Kponyo, echoed the economic benefits of AI, highlighting that 97 million new jobs are expected to be created due to AI advancements. He stressed AI’s impact on key economic sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, energy, and finance.

He called for strategic positioning of Ghana in AI and urged a review of the curriculum to include AI training at the basic level, focusing on harnessing AI’s positives and mitigating its negatives. Prof. Kponyo noted the urgency of adopting and implementing the National AI strategy.

“When it comes to identifying diseases and finding their cures, AI provides abundant data on previously unknown diseases. At RAIL, we leverage technology to identify factors related to rare diseases, significantly improving healthcare outcomes,” he explained.