Ghanaian Youth's Misuse of AI: Risks and Remedies Highlighted at IndabaX Ghana 2024

The wrong, ignorant, and inappropriate use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by Ghanaian youth could stall its positive potential, especially regarding the development of human capital for a digital future. This could lead to unhealthy over-reliance, ethical breaches, and data privacy risks, causing unintended harm to others and hindering critical and creative thinking.

To address these concerns, the IndabaX Ghana summit has assembled 600 enthusiastic youth to advance the cause of democratizing data science literacy and fostering supportive communities across the country. The unsafe and unfamiliar usage of AI tools in education, technology, and business sectors is a growing concern, primarily due to the lack of knowledge about AI's positive potentials.

The IndabaX Ghana 2024 summit in Kumasi has gathered technology enthusiasts under the theme, “Unleashing the Potential of AI through Grassroots Engagement.” Through diverse sessions, including a research showcase, industry and networking opportunities, and hands-on workshops, the summit aims to bridge the knowledge gap and equip participants with practical AI skills.

The three-day event has assembled Ghanaian youth for stimulating discussions on Data Science, Machine Learning, and AI. Delali Agbenyegah, Executive Chair of the Conference Steering Committee, emphasized that grassroots engagement of youth will facilitate positive awareness of AI's potential. “The mission is to boost capacity and create awareness about AI and how young people can take advantage of AI in various sectors to improve our systems. Our training focuses on responsible AI, and involving young people is crucial,” said Agbenyegah.

Knowledge about AI is centralized in the Western world. So we are bringing people to learn while planting a seed of AI possibilities in them. This will ensure that we are developing systems because these young people will fill these systems,” he added.

The summit also brought together technology experts and data scientists worldwide to engage and mentor the enthusiastic participants. Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, Associate Professor at the Responsible AI Lab, KNUST, highlighted the need for strategic planning for AI adoption. “New jobs are going to be created as a result of AI, affecting key areas like energy, agriculture, etc. We should strategically position ourselves to maximize AI's benefits. Criticisms are about AI's negative effects, which is why there is a Responsible AI Lab. We hope to enhance the positives to guard against the negatives,” he stated.

Prof. Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), disclosed that the university is preparing to build AI capacity for KNUST staff. “The university is preparing to organize a summer school for all staff on AI. The concept is that no one should be left behind. We must build the capacity of not just students, but staff and everyone who matters. Responsible AI usage must be championed, which is why this summit matters,” she explained.