The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called for a robust legal and ethical framework to guide Ghana’s artificial intelligence (AI) journey, warning that innovation without accountability could deepen inequality and erode public trust.
Delivering a keynote address at the launch of Ghana’s National AI Strategy at the Labadi Beach Hotel, Mr Bagbin described the moment as a defining milestone in the country’s development, stressing that the adoption of AI must be anchored in national values and collective responsibility.
“This is not merely the unveiling of a policy document,” he stated. “It represents a bold vision of a Ghana that is courageous enough to embrace the future, wise enough to manage its complexity, and committed to leading Africa in the responsible and ethical use of emerging technologies.”
Mr Bagbin underscored the transformative power of artificial intelligence, noting its potential to improve governance, boost productivity, enhance healthcare delivery, and expand economic opportunities. However, he cautioned that without proper oversight, the same technology could undermine privacy, weaken social cohesion, and marginalise vulnerable populations.
“It is not enough to be technologically advanced; we must also be morally grounded,” he emphasised, adding that Ghana has a constitutional and ethical duty to ensure AI development protects human dignity, strengthens democracy, and promotes inclusive growth.
The speaker stressed that the National AI Strategy should be seen not just as a technical blueprint but as a “social contract” that prioritises people over technology.
He warned that innovation must not widen existing socio-economic disparities or exclude rural communities, the youth, the elderly, or persons living with disabilities.
Outlining Parliament’s role, Mr Bagbin assured stakeholders that the legislature stands ready to provide the necessary legal backing to regulate the emerging AI ecosystem. According to him, laws must evolve alongside innovation to guarantee safety, accountability, and public confidence.
He further called for a coordinated national effort, urging regulatory bodies to enforce standards that protect citizens while enabling responsible experimentation.
He also tasked universities and research institutions to promote critical thinking, ethics, and creativity, alongside technical excellence.
“The private sector must lead with innovation, responsibility, and integrity, while civil society must remain vigilant asking hard questions and holding all of us accountable,” he said.
Mr Bagbin emphasised that no single institution or generation can shoulder the responsibility of building an AI-driven Ghana alone, calling for sustained collaboration among government, industry, academia, and citizens.
He expressed confidence that with unity and commitment, Ghana can harness both human and artificial intelligence to solve real challenges from improving agriculture and transforming education to advancing healthcare and creating jobs for the youth.
“The Ghana we seek is one where technology strengthens our social fabric, enhances our democratic institutions, and reflects the very best of who we are: resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking,” he concluded.
