The Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Berenice Owen-Jones, addressed a gathering of media professionals, academics, and industry stakeholders in Accra to commemorate World Press Freedom Day.

The event, themed “The Future of Free Expression in an Era of Artificial Intelligence,” brought together experts to discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by AI in journalism.

In her address, High Commissioner Owen-Jones highlighted the importance of press freedom, noting that it is diminishing in a record number of countries. She emphasised the need for careful navigation of AI’s impact on information gathering, processing, and dissemination, citing both opportunities and serious challenges.

Founder of AfriMass Network, Mr Raymond Smith, echoed the High Commissioner’s sentiments, stating that AI is not intended to replace journalists but rather to advance the concept of journalism. He emphasised the potential of AI to generate news content, speed up work, and bring efficiency to the newsroom.

The AfriMass Network plans to launch a cohort program to engage young media professionals in discussions on AI’s impact on journalism. The program aims to facilitate collaboration between industry partners and media platforms, providing opportunities for practical experience and skill development.

On his part, Head of Department, Communication and Journalism at BlueCrest College, Mr John Kumi, emphasised the importance of responsible freedom of expression, highlighting the need for balance between the right to freedom of expression and the duty to truth, dignity, and peace.