Ghana Risks ‘Digital Colonialism’ Without Strong AI Strategy – Computer Scientist

Ghana risks becoming a victim of what has been described as digital colonialism if the country fails to develop systems capable of managing the growing influence of artificial intelligence.

The Head of the Department of Computer Science and Technology at Tamale Technical University, Dr Arnold Mashud, raised the concern during an interview on NorthCiti Radio’s Breakfast Avenue.

He said Ghana could regulate or restrict the use of some artificial intelligence applications, but warned that doing so without adequate economic preparation could have serious consequences for the country. 

Dr Mashud cited China’s restrictions on some foreign digital applications as an example of how countries could limit external technological influence.

However, he argued that Ghana first needed to strengthen its economy and develop systems that could protect the country while considering the economic implications of restricting major technology platforms.

He described the growing dependence on foreign digital technologies as a new form of colonialism, saying Ghana remained heavily dependent on foreign technology and could not make major decisions about digital platforms without considering their wider economic effects.

AI raises concerns in education

Dr Mashud also raised concerns about the increasing use of AI by students.

He said lecturers were finding it increasingly difficult to determine whether students were relying on their own intellectual abilities or using AI to produce theses, assignments and other academic work.

According to him, unchecked dependence on AI could eventually affect knowledge creation and learning in educational institutions.