The Director of the Global Quality Assurance Association (GQAA), Dr. Violet Makuku, has called for the abolishment of punishment for students who use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their academic work.

Speaking at the 5th Quality Management Seminar in Kumasi, she stressed that students should not be criticized for turning to AI, but rather be guided on how to use it responsibly.

According to her, AI is not a shortcut to avoid learning but a smart tool to enhance productivity and learning outcomes in today’s modern world.

Dr. Makuku explained that GQAA is a practically-oriented organization that focuses on building real-world skills in individuals through workshops, curriculum development, and training programs.

She emphasised that education must move beyond outdated practices and adopt new technologies that make learning more effective.

“People should be smart and work smarter these days without getting tired from doing more and not necessarily doing hard work. There shouldn’t be any punishment for using AI,” she said.

She believes the future belongs to those who know how to use tools like AI and ICT efficiently.

She argued that Ghana’s current curriculum needs a full review to make it more relevant, transformative, and forward-looking. According to her, entrepreneurial skills, digital literacy, and AI integration are necessary additions to education at all levels. “No graduate today can be truly prepared for employment without skills in ICT and AI,” she said.

Dr. Makuku believes education must equip students not just for exams but for real-life challenges and innovation.

To achieve this, she encouraged the Ministry of Education to adopt blended learning approaches, combining traditional teaching with AI and ICT especially in urban areas where digital tools are more accessible.

However, she also highlighted the need to extend these opportunities to rural communities that are often left out. The GQAA is actively seeking support from stakeholders and partners to reach these underserved areas and bridge the digital gap.

Supporting this vision, GQAA’s Brand and Marketing Manager, Tavonga T. Munodawafa, explained that the association, founded in 2023, was inspired by Dr. Makuku’s passion for ensuring quality in education and producing future-ready graduates.

“We’ve managed to renovate schools at Ensowadini and Kantamanto, and also donated learning materials and reusable sanitary pads to underprivileged students,” he said.

Both Dr. Makuku and Mr. Munodawafa urged individuals, institutions, and government bodies to support GQAA’s mission to modernize education. The association also looks forward to enlarging itself to reach a wider population with its training and impact.

They believe that empowering students to use AI responsibly is not only necessary but vital for building a smarter, more competitive nation and that education should grow with the times, not resist them.