The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has cautioned that Artificial Intelligence (AI) could deepen inequality and undermine democratic values if not properly regulated.
According to him, while Ghana is taking steps to promote the use of AI, a lack of moral grounding could exacerbate social challenges.
Speaking at the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy on Friday, April 24, Mr Bagbin said that although AI presents significant opportunities for economic growth and innovation, it also carries serious risks if left unchecked.
“Artificial intelligence can unlock productivity, improve public service delivery, enhance scientific discovery, and expand economic opportunity,” he said. “At the same time, if left unchecked or poorly governed, it can deepen inequality, weaken social trust, threaten privacy, and marginalise the most vulnerable among us.”
He stressed the importance of ethical oversight in the development and deployment of AI technologies.
“It is therefore not enough to be technologically advanced. We must also be morally grounded,” Bagbin said. “It is our constitutional and ethical obligation to ensure that AI is developed and deployed in a manner that unleashes the Ghanaian spirit, protects human dignity, safeguards our democracy, and expands opportunity for all.”
The Speaker noted that the newly launched national strategy should be seen as more than a technical framework.
“The National Artificial Intelligence Strategy must be understood within this proud tradition. It is not merely a technical roadmap. It is a social contract,” he said.
Bagbin further emphasised that technological advancement must be inclusive and should not come at the expense of vulnerable groups.
“It reminds us that technological progress must never come at the expense of human progress. Development must not exclude rural communities,” he said.
The strategy is expected to guide Ghana’s approach to AI development, balancing innovation with ethical and social considerations.
