GCTU Hosts Inaugural TEBUSS Seminar on Exploring AI Ethics and Regulations
The Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) successfully launched its inaugural Technology, Business, and Society Seminar Series (TEBUSS) on Friday, August 25, 2023, at the Florence Onny Auditorium.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, Prof. Letlhokwa Mpedi, delivered a thought-provoking speech on AI ethics and regulations. In a rousing address, the Vice-Chancellor of UJ and Guest Speaker at the seminar, Prof. Mpedi, called for the establishment of robust ethical frameworks and regulations to guide the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the modern world.
The speaker made the remarks in his presentation on the theme, “Ethics and Regulations in an AI Era: Reflections on Present Realities and Future Expectations”.
Prof. Mpedi acknowledged the pivotal and transformative potential of AI in various fields including healthcare, finance, and education, but also underscored the ethical concerns associated with its use and growth.
Prof. Mpedi cautioned that in spite of the pivotal role of AI, there is the need for a global consensus building on the principles and regulatory frameworks that would equip AI professionals and users with the ethical foundations and implications in the usage in order not to infringe on social values and rights.
Concluding his presentation, Prof. Mpedi urged the audience to reflect on the present realities and future expectations of AI. “The AI era is upon us, and the choices we make today will shape the world we live in tomorrow. Let us work together to ensure that AI enriches our lives while upholding our core values and ethics.”
The Vice-Chancellor of GCTU and Chairman of the seminar, in his opening remarks warmly welcomed the delegation from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, and acknowledged the importance of collaboration between the institutions.
Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa applauded the shining example of the young UJ, emphasizing that GCTU’s role as a hub for technology education requires its commitment to shape the future of AI in Ghana by learning from UJ, who, although young, as he put it… “don’t allow their youthfulness to define who they are.”
“We don’t have to sit down and allow the fact that we are only three years to define what we are. We are the Silicon Valley of Ghana, and that is what you want to be,” Prof Afoakwa said.
The Chairman advised Ghanaians and Africans to be circumspect in grabbing the prospects of AI and not disregard the negative implications of its use on humans and society.
“Artificial intelligence is being used worldwide now to perform so many functions and programmes and, in a way, to propel us from the fourth industrial revolution towards the fifth industrial revolution, he added.
The seminar also featured the launch of the book “Digital Service Delivery,” co-authored by Prof. Robert Ebo Hinson, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of GCTU, and other international scholars. The book launch was carried out by the Dean of the Business School, Prof. George Oppong Ampong.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Director of Research, Innovation and Consultancy, emphasized the significance of technology in modern society. He outlined the purpose of the TEBUSS series, highlighting the university’s commitment to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by rapidly evolving technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). Prof. Amoako emphasized the need to balance technological advancement with ethical considerations and global development goals.
Attendees at the seminar included students, faculty, staff of GCTU, officials from the University of Johannesburg, invited guests from the technology business community and guests from the South African community in Ghana.
The seminar series promises to be a platform for insightful discussions and collaborations on the convergence of technology, business, and society.
