Lawmakers in Parliament have called for the establishment of laws to regulate the deployment and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the country.
During a parliamentary discussion on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, lawmakers acknowledged that despite the numerous advantages of the technology, there is a pressing need for the introduction of a regulatory framework to effectively govern its adoption.
Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu who opened the debate stressed the importance of proactive measures to address the potential challenges posed by AI.
He proposed the creation of an Artificial Intelligence Council, stating, “the future of our nation will be grim if we do not take action right away. Probably, Mr. Speaker, we want to think about creating an Artificial Intelligence Council.”
This proposed Council he said would provide a dedicated platform for overseeing AI developments, formulating regulations, and ensuring compliance with ethical standards.
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the MP for Ofoase Ayirebi, echoed these concerns, underlining the need for an architectural framework that includes legal and regulatory measures to mitigate the risks associated with AI. He emphasized, “those who worked on AI are beginning to worry about the potential, and so it is an opportune time for us to consider what kind of architecture, legal or regulatory, to limit the most dangerous parts of AI.”
The debate also witnessed the active participation of Minister for Communications and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu Ekuful, and Samuel Nartey George, MP for Ningo Prampram. Both lawmakers highlighted the importance of striking a balance between promoting AI innovation and protecting the interests and rights of the citizens.
AI, which is an algorithm-based technology, has found widespread application in industries such as healthcare, banking, marketing, and education. These solutions contribute to work automation, data analysis, and enhanced decision-making capabilities. However, experts caution that the potential risks associated with AI might be more significant than initially anticipated, despite its rapid growth.
This, the lawmakers expressed their determination to work diligently towards establishing the necessary regulatory frameworks. They affirmed their commitment to striking the right balance between embracing the advantages of AI and safeguarding the nation’s interests and citizens.
