AI must enhance human labour, not replace it - Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians that the government’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) agenda will prioritise the protection and empowerment of workers, amid growing public concern that rapid technological advancement could lead to job losses and reshape the future of work.

Speaking at the official launch of Ghana’s National AI Strategy on Friday, April 24, the President acknowledged widespread fears that AI systems and automation technologies could displace human labour, leaving many workers vulnerable to unemployment and economic exclusion.

He stressed, however, that government is fully aware of these concerns and is committed to ensuring that AI development in Ghana is human-centred and inclusive, rather than disruptive to livelihoods.

“I am aware that the rapid advancement of AI also raises legitimate concern, particularly about jobs and the future of work. Many citizens worry that machines will replace human labour, leaving workers vulnerable and excluded,” he said.

“As a responsible government, we take these concerns seriously. A simple principle will therefore guide our approach: AI must enhance human capabilities and not diminish human dignity,” he added.

The President outlined that Ghana will pursue a responsible AI adoption framework built on inclusivity, sustainability, and respect for human dignity. He explained that the national strategy will focus not only on improving efficiency across sectors, but also on strengthening resilience within the labour market and ensuring that technological progress does not come at the expense of people.

“We will pursue a human-centred, inclusive and responsible model of adoption consistent with our values, which emphasises not only efficiency but also resilience, sustainability, and the centrality of the human person,” he stated.

President Mahama further revealed that the government will roll out targeted investment programmes aimed at upskilling and reskilling workers to prepare them for the evolving demands of the digital economy. These initiatives, he said, will help ensure that workers across different sectors can adapt to new technologies and remain competitive in an increasingly automated world.

He emphasised that rather than allowing technological disruption to marginalise citizens, the government intends to equip them with the skills needed to actively participate in and lead within an AI-driven economy.

“We don’t intend to surrender our people to technological disruption. We intend to prepare them to lead in it,” he declared.

The National AI Strategy is expected to serve as Ghana’s guiding framework for the development, deployment, and regulation of artificial intelligence technologies across public and private sectors. It also signals the government’s intention to position the country as a competitive player in Africa’s growing digital innovation ecosystem while safeguarding employment and social equity.