Isaac Ansah makes the presentation at the conference
The Industry Engagement Forum 2024, held at the UPSA Auditorium on Thursday 23 May, focused on the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving technological progress in Africa, particularly in the context of the 4th Industrial Revolution.
The theme, “Industry Driving AI & 4IR in Africa”, highlighted the importance of collective efforts for digital transformation in Ghana.
The event was a central platform where industry experts and thought leaders came together to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in driving technological progress across Africa.
Throughout the forum, discussions revolved around the theme, highlighting the critical role of collaborative pathways in navigating the digital transformation landscape in Ghana and beyond.
One of the central aspects highlighted during the event was the importance of harnessing artificial intelligence for sustainable development and innovation in the African context.
Experts shared ideas on how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to address challenges and seize opportunities in the region’s technology landscape, paving the way for economic growth and enhanced competitiveness.
The forum served as a catalyst to envision a future where artificial intelligence acts as the driving force behind Africa’s technological development.
Furthermore, discussions at the forum highlighted the need to upgrade the African workforce to thrive in the age of artificial intelligence and the 4th Industrial Revolution.
The focus on ensuring inclusion in the digital landscape resonated deeply, highlighting the imperative to provide equal access to AI-driven skill development for all members of society.
Ethical concerns about the development of artificial intelligence were also a key theme, highlighting the need for a framework that promotes fairness and transparency in the use of artificial intelligence technologies.
At the forum, Isaac Ansah, a visually impaired employee of the Community Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility department of the Ghana National Gas Limited Company (GNGLC), who also acts as a liaison between the company and disability organizations, gave an insight into how he harnesses technology to improve his performance in the workplace.
He shared how he skillfully proofreads documents, works with Excel and PowerPoint, sends and receives emails with or without attachments, and responds accordingly using a laptop or desktop computer, just like any other employee in the office.
When he’s not behind his laptop, he’s running errands using his phone, making sure to respond to whatever tasks are assigned to him as needed.
Commenting on how technology has impacted his work at Ghana Gas, Mr. Ansah revealed to the audience how he helped the Ghana Gas IT Division team with his expertise to develop a user-friendly scholarship portal to receive applications from prospective beneficiaries of the Ghana Gas Scholarship Scheme.
He then used the platform to call the Presidency for recognition or honor for Dr. Ben Asante, praising his unwavering support for disability organizations and his pivotal role in offering Mr Ansah the opportunity to become the first visually impaired person to be employed in energy. sector.
Mr. Ansah emphasized that such recognition will serve as a great incentive for CEOs of public and private institutions to emulate.
The event highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence to drive economic growth and boost competitiveness in Africa. Information was shared on addressing challenges and seizing opportunities in the region’s technology landscape.
The forum provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and forge partnerships aimed at advancing AI in Africa.
Collaborative efforts were highlighted as essential to harnessing AI for sustainable development and prosperity.
The forum also highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in creating inclusive employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Discussions included ethical concerns and the challenges of ensuring equal access to AI-driven skill development for all segments of society.
Executive Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS) Osei Assibey Antwi, Program Manager for Education and Skills at Mastercard Foundation Larisa Akrofie, Regional Director for Seequent – West Africa Seth Miah, Managing Director at Andela-Rwanda Mike Ndimurukondo, Vice President of Institutional Development at Academic City University Eng. Dr. Lucy Agyepong, as well as staff of the Assistive Technology Center of the Ghana Blind Union (GBU), were among other guest speakers who graced the occasion.
The Industry Engagement Forum 2024 served as a platform to demonstrate the transformative power of artificial intelligence in upskilling the African workforce and promoting inclusion for people with disabilities.
The collaborative efforts highlighted at the event highlight the collective commitment needed to harness AI for sustainable development and prosperity in Africa.
The reverberations of the forum continue to inspire stakeholders to work together to harness the potential of artificial intelligence to achieve sustainable progress and a brighter future for the region.
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