Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has cautioned that Artificial Intelligence (AI) could deepen inequality and undermine democratic values if not properly regulated.
According to him, while Ghana is taking steps to promote the use of AI, the absence of strong moral and ethical grounding could worsen existing social challenges.
Mr Bagbin made the remarks on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in Accra.
He acknowledged that AI holds immense potential for economic growth and innovation, but warned of serious risks if left unchecked.
“Artificial intelligence can unlock productivity, improve public service delivery, enhance scientific discovery, and expand economic opportunity,” he said. “At the same time, if left unchecked or poorly governed, it can deepen inequality, weaken social trust, threaten privacy, and marginalise the most vulnerable among us.”
The Speaker stressed the need for ethical oversight in the development and deployment of AI technologies.
“It is therefore not enough to be technologically advanced. We must also be morally grounded,” Bagbin said. “It is our constitutional and ethical obligation to ensure that AI is developed and deployed in a manner that unleashes the Ghanaian spirit, protects human dignity, safeguards our democracy, and expands opportunity for all.”
He described the newly launched National Artificial Intelligence Strategy as more than just a technical document.
“The National Artificial Intelligence Strategy must be understood within this proud tradition. It is not merely a technical roadmap. It is a social contract,” he added.
Bagbin further emphasised that technological advancement must be inclusive and should not exclude vulnerable or rural communities.
“It reminds us that technological progress must never come at the expense of human progress. Development must not exclude rural communities,” he said.
The strategy is expected to provide a comprehensive framework to guide Ghana’s AI development, balancing innovation with ethical, social, and democratic considerations.