Communications Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has assured legislators of plans by the government to regulate the proper use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Ghana.

According to her, plans are far advanced to enact a legal framework to regulate the proper use of AI in the country.

“They are scared at the potential damage it can cause if it is not properly regulated, and so once this document and our strategy has gone through cabinet, we will bring it here for Parliament's inputs as well because I think we can also show the way for the rest of the world,” she said on Thursday.

Speaking on the floor of parliament, she explained that AI keeps advancing therefore if laws are not made to regulate proper use, people might wrongly use it to cause harm.

In this regard, she said, “the NCA will be supported under this Ghana Digital Acceleration Policy to develop regulatory mechanisms to address new and emerging technologies because there are regulatory and legal gaps.”

Her comments come on the back of Tamale South MP, Haruna Iddrisu's concern about the potential harm of AI if it is not regulated.

https://www.myjoyonline.com/ghanas-future-will-be-bleak-if-we-dont-act-now-mps-push-for-legislation-on-artificial-intelligence/

“Human right standards, ethical protection laws, and ethical principles are all necessary to guide, regulate and manage the use of artificial intelligence. We need to ensure strict adherence to responsible AI principles.

“Ghana needs to ready itself for an AI future to reap AI benefits and mitigate its strength. Policy must necessarily respond to the opportunity AI offers,” he said.

He added that to effectively leverage AI for economic growth, development, and digital transformation there is a need for regulation.

Also, Agotime Ziope  MP, Charles Agbeve referenced a TikTok user, Ghost Writer 1974, who used AI to reproduce a musician's song using his identity, style, and lyrics.

He continued that by the time management of the artiste stopped the user, he had already made a hefty amount of money.

Mr Agbeve then quizzed if Ghana has laws in place to protect its talents from online theft.

Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah also agreed that there's an urgent need to regulate the use of AI.

“I agree with the honorable members' point that architecture around legislation needs to be contemplated …those who worked on AI, if you read some of the contemporary literature are beginning to worry about the potentials and so it is opportune time for us to start considering what sort of architecture, legal or regulatory needs to be put in place to limit the most dangerous parts even as Ghana stands to benefit its upside," he added.