Features
Artificial Intelligence in Ghanaian workplaces: Opportunities, concerns, and the way forward
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no more a remote concept for organisations in Ghana. Recent research has highlighted the significant impact AI is having in remodelling workplaces in Ghana, unveiling a mix of opportunity, anxiety, and a pressing call for coordinated national response. A study focusing on a Ghanaian service organisation in the advertising industry investigated how AI influences employee skills development. The results paint a picture of a technological shift that is rapidly gaining ground in the local workplace, albeit with mixed implications for the workforce.
AI and employee upskilling: A double-edged sword
The study found a statistically significant, though moderate, positive relationship between AI deployment and employee upskilling. Employees exposed to AI technologies were more likely to enhance their capabilities—particularly in areas such as data analysis, digital literacy, and continuous learning. This finding aligns with global trends where AI is facilitating learning adaptation and professional growth.
However, the research also pointed out a sobering reality that AI adoption often comes together with workforce downsizing. The data showed a strong correlation between AI implementation and employee redundancies, raising red flags about job security for many Ghanaians.
“While AI can help employees do their jobs more effectively, it also automates tasks that previously required human effort”, the author noted. “This duality—simultaneously empowering and displacing workers—is at the heart of the AI debate.”
Organisational relevance and the AI imperative
Despite these challenges, organisations embracing AI are seeing positive results in terms of relevance and competitive advantage. The study confirmed a statistically significant relationship between AI adoption and organisational effectiveness, though the influence was not overwhelmingly strong. This suggests that while AI can enhance efficiency, it must be strategically integrated into business models to be fully effective.
Yet, many Ghanaian companies, especially SMEs, remain hesitant. Barriers such as lack of technical infrastructure, fears of losing control to algorithms, and low digital literacy rates hamper widespread adoption. This is echoed in South African and broader African contexts, where similar patterns of resistance and slow uptake prevail.
Current AI issues in the Ghanaian workplace
Ghana faces several unique challenges in integrating AI into its workplaces:
Unlike Kenya or Rwanda, Ghana lacks a clear national AI policy or roadmap. This absence of legal frameworks and guidelines hinders sustainable, responsible AI implementation.
The study revealed that while some staff have received training— primarily on Microsoft 365 Copilot— many are limited in their exposure. This creates a lopsided workforce where a few benefit, and many lag behind.
The largest demographic in the study (27.5 per cent) was aged 18–25. Without deliberate interventions, this youth cohort faces a high risk of being left behind by AI-driven changes.
Employee sentiment toward AI is mixed—13 per cent expressed enthusiasm, while over 20 per cent were wary or pessimistic. This shows the emotional toll and uncertainty surrounding AI’s future role in jobs.
The way forward
To harness AI’s benefits while minimising its risks, Ghana must adopt a strategic, inclusive approach:
The government should develop a comprehensive AI framework that supports innovation while protecting workers’ rights. Such a policy should include data protection laws, ethical AI guidelines, and incentives for private sector adoption.
Organizations must invest heavily in upskilling and reskilling employees. These programmes should not just focus on technical skills but also foster soft skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, and digital literacy.
Educational institutions should embed AI and digital economy topics into basic, secondary, and tertiary curricula. Producing AI-literate graduates is key to future-proofing the workforce.
Collaboration between government, industry, and academia is essential to pool resources, share expertise, and drive AI readiness across sectors.
As AI transforms work, employers must provide psychological support and foster inclusive environments. Change management strategies are essential to guide employees through this transition.
Conclusion
AI is here to stay, and Ghanaian workplaces are beginning to feel its presence. While the promise of enhanced productivity and competitiveness is real, so are the threats of job loss and exclusion. The research findings make it clear: the future of work in Ghana must be one where technology and human development evolve together. Without deliberate, inclusive policies and strategic foresight, the country risks widening inequality and stifling innovation. But with the right investments and political will, Ghana can turn AI from a threat into an engine of inclusive economic growth.
By Esther J.K. Attiogbe (PhD)
ALL these forms of responsibility are sustained by one central pillar: spiritual and moral discipline. Without it, knowledge becomes pride, power becomes oppression, and freedom becomes chaos.
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “The strong man is not the one who overcomes others by his strength, but the one who controls himself while in anger.” (Bukhari, Hadith 6114)
This control taqwā is the root of responsibility. Imam Al-Ghazali (1105) in Ihya Ulum al-Din wrote that the purification of the soul (tazkiyah al-nafs) is the foundation of all reform. A responsible man disciplines his desires, guards his words, and acts with sincerity, even when no one is watching.
We live in an era of temptation — social media, materialism, and moral relativism challenge our values. But men of faith must rise above these influences and remember that Allah is Al-Raqīb — the Ever-Watchful. Spiritual accountability anchors moral behaviour.
8. Emotional and psychological responsibility
Responsibility also includes taking care of one’s mental and emotional well-being. Many men suffer silently under the burden of expectation — believing that showing emotion is weakness.
Yet, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم shed tears, expressed compassion, and sought counsel.
Psychologist Aaron Beck (1976) in Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders emphasised that emotional maturity begins with self-awareness, recognising one’s feelings, and managing them constructively.
Group counselling sessions like this are essential; they help men share, heal, and grow together. No man should walk alone; strength is not isolation, but the courage to seek support. Let us normalise counselling, mentorship, and brotherhood among men. For in unity, we find healing; in shared wisdom, we find growth.
9. The five questions of accountability
The Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “The feet of the son of Adam shall not move on the Day of Resurrection before he is asked about five things:
- His life — how he lived it;
- His youth — how he used it;
- His wealth — how he earned it and how he spent it;
- His knowledge — how he acted upon it.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2416; also reported in al-Darimi)
This hadith captures the essence of personal accountability — the cornerstone of responsibility in Islam. It reminds every believer that every blessing carries a duty, and every stage of life demands conscious action.
Let’s break it down:
- “His life — how he lived it”
Life is a divine trust (amānah). A responsible man lives with purpose, not pleasure as his goal. He invests his time in doing good, serving others, and seeking Allah’s pleasure. - “His youth — how he used it”
Youth is the most energetic and creative phase — and thus the most accountable. As Ibn al-Qayyim noted in Madarij al-Salikin, “The strength of youth is a blessing, and blessings invite responsibility.” Men must use their youth to build character, gain knowledge, and resist destructive habits. - “His wealth — how he earned it and how he spent it”
Financial integrity is a key part of manhood. Islam demands transparency, fairness, and generosity. The Qur’an warns against wastefulness: “Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils.” (Qur’an 17:27) A responsible man earns lawfully, gives in charity, and spends wisely. - “His knowledge — how he acted upon it”
Knowledge is meaningless if not practiced. Imam Al-Ghazali wrote that knowledge without action is a burden, not a blessing. A responsible man translates his learning into character, leadership, and service.
This Hadith teaches that responsibility in Islam is total and it covers time, energy, wealth, and knowledge. It’s not only about what we achieve, but how we live, how we give, and how we grow.
10. Summary
Responsibility, therefore, is not a single act but a lifestyle — one that touches every sphere of life:
- Educational responsibility empowers us to think and serve.
- Marital and family responsibility keeps our homes strong.
- Environmental responsibility safeguards our future.
- Civic responsibility builds our nation.
- Moral and spiritual responsibility sustains our integrity.
- Emotional responsibility maintains our well-being.
A responsible man is thus an educated mind, a loving heart, a disciplined spirit, and a servant leader. He is not perfect, but he is purposeful.
11. Conclusion
My brothers, as we look toward the future, let us remember the divine reminder:
“The believers, men and women, are protectors of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.” (Qur’an 9:71)
Our communities are counting on us — our sisters, mothers, and children look to us for leadership and example. Let us not disappoint them. When we build responsible men today, we build a Ghana that is peaceful, prosperous, and principled.
Let us be men of knowledge and humility, strength and compassion, faith and fairness. And may Allah grant us the wisdom to lead ourselves before we lead others. Āmīn.
Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, Kpone Katmanso Municipal Chief Imam, governance expert and certified counselor.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai
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Today, I focus on Ghanaian/African migrants in Finland and their mental health. Mental health is an important subject and a huge problem in the world.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), brain health is the state of brain functioning across cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, behavioural and motor domains, allowing a person to realise their full potential over the life course, irrespective of the presence or absence of disorders.
Studies have shown that maternal and paternal distress are associated with reduced linear growth of their children. I recently participated in a seminar on mental health among (African) migrants in Finland. We all wondered about the prevalence or incidence of mental illness among migrants in Finland. It will be interesting to know the statistics about mental illness among migrants in Finland.
Mental health in Finland
In Finland, studies have examined how behavioural risk factors mediate the effects of childhood disadvantage on adult psychological distress. A correlation is shown between parent and infant psychotherapy on maternal mental health and psychological functioning and children’s welfare.
There are also research and other reports of social child welfare interventions where at times children are even taken away (child removals) from the parent or parents for safe keeping.
Experts say it is important how parents plan their leaves in order to renew or rebuild their mental strength to be able to take good care of their kids.
Anyway, studies are limited about parent-child psychological distress and situations where children are taken away from their parents among minorities, such as African migrants. It will be interesting to know the figures and other aspects of mental health issues among the migrant group(s) in Finland.
Health and migrant vulnerability
Health experts point out that migrant communities can be highly vulnerable to diseases, especially certain infectious diseases. Experts say those who came to Finland as refugees or asylum seekers and their family members are often in a more vulnerable position in terms of their health (see www.thl.fi).
Research and media reports have shown in many countries that there are structural or societal/cultural factors that result in quite high rates of infection or ill-health among migrants, when compared to the majority population.
It is suggested that for example language barrier, lack of information, the nature of the work of migrants in professions where working from home is not possible (for example during the Covid-19 pandemic), not accessing healthcare, etc. can present some of the factors for migrants’ vulnerability to diseases and infections.
Childhood disadvantage
Information about the issue. Such a situation was much evidenced to reduce stress and anxiety during the coronavirus situation.
Thus, these associations and institutions become networks that create an important social capital as well as outlets for sharing and gaining information or knowledge.
Finland is committed to the integration of migrants into the Finnish society, as I keep pointing out. A number of research studies from surveys and other in-depth enquiries have shown a trend of increasing efforts to integrate African and other migrants into the Finnish society.
As the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has pointed out, health and wellbeing are an important part of integration of immigrants in Finland (see www.thl.fi).
There have been studies on whether behavioural risk factors mediate the effects of childhood disadvantage on adult psychological distress and child welfare intervention by social services. Unhealthy behaviours and their associations with subsequent sickness among Finnish young and early midlife employees have been studied.
When it comes to this subject and/or the effect of adult psychological distress on children’s wellbeing among African migrants in Finland, there is limited knowledge.
We should hope for more information to augment understandings about adult psychological distress and effect on children’s wellbeing among African migrants in order to inform policy directions.
Such studies will help to create awareness among migrants in Finland about their mental health, its effect on them and their children’s wellbeing, as well as where to seek therapy.
Migrant associations, social networks, and information
Migrants associations are already doing much to help in education on mental health and have become important points for securing. Public agencies, migrant associations and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Finland have been publishing information to help educate people about their health and wellbeing.
Generally, migrant associations formally create awareness among their members and other migrants usually in collaboration with some Finnish institutions, and are thus an important tool for several migrants to be positively active and to get their interests and claims heard.
As I wrote previously, the role of migrant associations acting as bridge-builders for the integration and inclusion of migrants through participation in the decision making process and by acting as a representative voice is highly appreciated in Finland. Thank you!
By Perpetual Crentsil
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