Panelists at commemoration of World Consumer Rights Day in Accra.
The Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana (CIMG) last Friday convened stakeholders in the tech sector to discuss how businesses can leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to uphold consumer rights.
During the commemoration of World Consumer Rights Day in Ghana, themed, “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers,” the National President of CIMG, Dr. Kasser Tee, highlighted the importance of utilizing AI technologies to protect consumer rights.
He emphasized the significance of fostering dialogue to drive positive change in the lives of consumers in the country.
Dr. Tee noted the increasing role of AI in today’s digitized world, from personalized recommendations on e-commerce platforms to automated customer service chatbots.
“We all recognise the role that artificial intelligence (AI) has come to play in an increasingly digitized and interconnected world. From personalised recommendations on e-commerce platforms to automated customer service chatbots, AI has become an integral part of our daily lives, particularly in urban centres where there is internet connectivity”, he explained.
He stressed the need for robust regulatory frameworks, ethical guidelines, and industry standards to govern the development and deployment of AI technologies, promoting fairness, accountability, and trust in the marketplace.
“We must ensure the ethical use of this technology, with consumer protection as a priority, as the power it offers comes with great responsibility,” he cautioned.
Communications Professional, Capacity Building and Awareness Creation Unit, Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Mary Ama Bawa said 2023 was a major year for the CSA as the authority embarked on sensitization programs on cybersecurity guidelines, ensuring that cybersecurity professionals, establishments and all the necessary operators are made ready to harness the potential of AI.
Mary Ama Bawa said Ghana has no policies that guide the usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI), adding that just last year, the European Union (EU) Parliament approved the artificial intelligence act that ensures safety and compliance with fundamental rights while boosting innovation.
“Ghana has no policies on AI. The EU passed its laws just last year in November 2023. So yes we are in a hurry as a country but we also have to be mindful and tread cautiously,” she said.
Provost and President of Academic City College, Fred McBagonluri, emphasized AI’s potential to transform Ghana’s health, education, and economy for consumer benefit.
He also cautioned against excessive regulation at this early stage of AI development by authorities in the country urging them to strike a balance to allow AI technology growth while ensuring consumer protection.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke