The 2024 National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Assin South, Stephen Baidoo Jr, has refuted assertions that artificial intelligence (AI) will deprive people of their livelihoods.
He stated that, contrary to these common misconceptions, AI will instead provide individuals with the opportunity to be more efficient, effective, and prudent in their professional roles.
Appearing on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Baidoo Jnr indicated that those making such claims are merely misinforming the public.
Drawing on his professional background in AI and its operations, the former aspirant noted that Ghanaians must embrace the technology because of its enormous potential benefits.
“There are misconceptions about AI and its impact. I am familiar with AI. It helps in making workers more efficient. So, for now in Ghana, I don’t see AI taking over the jobs of people. Research even shows that if Ghana utilises AI effectively, it will create more jobs, more millionaires, and enterprises,” he explained.
He further stressed that the perception of AI as a job-stealing entity is largely borne out of the science-fiction films of the past.
He instead described AI as a positive force for sectors such as education and healthcare, particularly regarding the provision of holistic medical services to those living in rural areas.
Baidoo Jnr was responding to a concern raised by a listener regarding the potential threats AI poses to employment, especially considering the government’s recent commitment to investing in the technology.
Last week, President John Dramani Mahama launched Ghana’s first National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, a move intended to position the country to harness AI for inclusive growth while ensuring the technology remains aligned with local values and culture.
The president called for the localisation of AI to reflect Ghanaian values, ethics, and realities, stating that Ghana is determined to use AI wisely to enhance human conditions and drive transformation across multiple sectors.
This National AI Strategy serves as a roadmap to build a responsible, human-centred AI ecosystem.
It seeks to develop local talent and research capacity, promote AI adoption in key industries, establish ethical and legal frameworks, and ultimately position Ghana as a regional hub for technological innovation.
The strategy aims to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that no Ghanaian is left behind in the global AI revolution.
By: Rashid Obodai Provencal/Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana