Dr. Stephen Moore was speaking at the Rethink Africa Convo held at the University of Ghana
Dr. Stephen Moore, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and Co-founder of Ghana Natural Language Processing, has cautioned against blind reliance on AI tools like ChatGPT.
Speaking at the Rethink Africa Convo held at the University of Ghana under the theme “Generation AI: Optimizing the New Age” on March 21, 2025, Dr. Moore emphasized the need for critical thinking when using AI-generated information.
“I use ChatGPT to get a lot of ideas, especially on how to teach certain concepts and kinds of stuff, and sometimes I even tell students, ‘This is excised, go and use ChatGPT to do it because I have used it and I know that the answer is not correct, but use it and after that, do your own thing and compare the answers.’
“Just for students to know that ChatGPT is not factual ground and everything it is producing is not exactly 100% truthful because it can give you some rubbish as well,” he said.
The paramount chief of Akuapem, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III – Okuapehene, highlighted AI as a transformative force in society in a speech read on his behalf.
“As we stand on the brink of technological evolution, we must recognize that artificial intelligence is not merely a tool but a powerful catalyst for change.
“This generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders has a unique opportunity to harness AI to optimize health, culture, education, and finance.
“The benefits of AI are vast and profound,” he remarked.
Ing. Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, the Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana and National Science and Maths Quiz Mistress, underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing complex challenges.
“We need to invest in training and capacity building. The government should provide policy direction and guidance to ensure AI is used effectively,” she urged.
John Ofori, President of Rethink Africa, called for a shift in Ghana’s education system to align with the evolving technological landscape.
“The world is changing, and our educational system also needs to change. We need to go out of the four corners of our classroom and begin to learn something new. If not, we will graduate from the university with the best grades and best academic activities, but we will find ourselves home without jobs and without opportunities.”
Elikplim Sabblah, Technical Advisor for the FAIR Forward – AI for All Initiative at GIZ Ghana, raised concerns about Ghana’s delay in implementing an AI strategy.
“The interesting thing is that somewhere three years ago, an AI strategy was drafted for Ghana, which outlines how Ghana is going to leverage this technology. It was drafted in 2022, but it has not been adopted by the government yet.
“…We actually need an AI policy or strategy as a country because it sets the tone on how things should be done in every aspect of our economy. So, it could actually prescribe how AI could be adopted academically in education, agriculture, and health … it is something that we are hoping this government will take up.”
Darlington Akogo, Founder and CEO of Minohealth AI Labs, highlighted the impact of AI on employment, particularly in the retail, hospitality, and healthcare sectors.
“AI could automate up to 45% of tasks currently performed by workers in these industries. This reality underscores the need for upskilling and strategic workforce planning,” he explained.
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