The University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA) and Hallmark Research Lab, a Ghanaian based AI research entity, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab at UPSA.
The lab will tackle Ghana’s AI challenge with labour substitution by redesigning jobs and creating opportunities for Ghanaians to prepare for newer and higher earning jobs that have become available now.
With the signing of the MoU, Hallmark Research Lab, will in the next 10 years commit a significant investment of a $240 million, and will bring together the brightest minds from both industry and academia and give them the resources and the freedom to explore the uncharted territories of AI.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Executive Chairman of the Hallmark Research Lab, Philip Gamey said the signing of the agreement has paved the way for the creation of an AI laboratory at UPSA, a development which fits into President John Mahama’s special initiative on AI.
”This isn’t just the signing of a document; it’s the inauguration of a shared future in line with the Presidential Special Initiative on Artificial Intelligence. It’s a moment that, I believe, will be looked back upon as a pivotal step in the journey of Artificial Intelligence,” he said.
Philip Gamey noted that the world is entering an era where AI is reshaping industries, redefining how people work, live, and interact with the world.
According to him, it will take partnership to truly unlock the full potential of AI to serve humanity ethically and effectively.
“No one entity can do it alone. We need the deep scientific inquiry, the rigorous academic freedom, and the diverse perspectives that only a partnership like this can provide,” he stated.
Minister of State in Charge of Presidential Special Initiatives, Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum said the government believes that AI was crucial to tackle most of the country’s challenges.
”In terms of the government’s position, the President and everyone is talking about AI now because that is the way to go – whether you like it or not, that is the way to go. AI has come to stay,” he said.
Vice Chancellor of UPSA, Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor noted that a lot of transformations could be witnessed by the country with the use of AI.
“We have to consciously change the way we build things, build capacity of our lecturers and I know this MoU will avail some facilities for UPSA lecturers as well as enhance our research capacity when it comes to artificial intelligence and IT as a whole,” he said.
