News
‘Find ways to track AI generated contents to promote accountability’
A professor of Media and Journalism Studies at the University of Tokyo, Japan, Kaori Hayashi, has urged Ghanaian media organisations, particularly public broadcasters, to take steps to establish mechanisms that can track AI-generated content, verify information, and promote accountability.
This, she said was because technology holds great promise but its uncritical use especially in the media could undermine public trust and truth.
Drawing from Japan’s experience, she explained that even a country renowned for its digital innovations still faces cultural hesitation and institutional skepticism around AI, particularly within journalism.
Prof. Hayashi made the call at the third Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chair public lecture held in Accra last week.
The event, jointly organised by JICA and the University of Ghana, brought together academics, policymakers, and media professionals to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be integrated into society without compromising democratic values.
Speaking at the event, Ghana’s journey into the digital age must be rooted in ethical responsibility and informed media practice.
“AI has the potential to reshape how we access and share information, but this must not come at the cost of democracy. We need strong ethical frameworks and independent media bodies to keep AI in check,” she added.
Professor Hayashi called for a careful, values-based approach to AI adoption.
Journalism education also, she added, must evolve to include technological literacy to prepare the next generation of reporters.
The Japan Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Hiroshi Yoshimoto, also addressed the gathering, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to strengthening academic and technological cooperation with Ghana.
He applauded the growing ties between the University of Tokyo and the University of Ghana, calling the lecture a step toward deeper bilateral engagement.
JICA Ghana’s Chief Representative, Madam Suzuki Momoko, echoed this sentiment, adding that knowledge-sharing, cultural exchange, and academic partnerships would remain key to advancing mutual development goals.
The lecture formed part of the JICA Chair programme, which seeks to share Japan’s modernisation journey with partner countries.
By Cecilia Yada Lagba
News
Prioritise affordable treatment of sickle cell treatment —Health Expert
Health experts have urged Ghana to prioritise affordable and accessible treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) as advanced, but costly curative therapies remain out of reach.
SCD, an inherited blood disorder, affects about three in every 100 newborns in Ghana.
Globally, around 1,000 babies are born with the condition daily, with three-quarters in sub-Saharan Africa.
The disease causes severe complications including chronic pain, anaemia, infections, strokes and organ damage, often leading to shortened life expectancy.
In recent years, gene therapy has been developed as a potential cure.
However, its cost—running into millions of dollars per patient—makes it financially and technically inaccessible in Ghana.
According to Dr Lawrence Osei-Tutu, a Sickle Cell and Childhood Cancer Expert at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, “the country must instead focus on practical, lower-cost interventions such as hydroxyurea”, a decades-old cancer drug proven to reduce painful episodes, hospitalisation and life- threatening complications in SCD patients”.
Taken orally, the medicine improves red blood cell function and is considered safe and effective.
“Hydroxyurea therapy is as good as the cure and a low-hanging fruit to pluck, we must bring a cure to our sickle cell warriors, but do so sustainably.” he urged.
In a chat with The Spectator here, he said to create awareness on the disease, the expert noted that despite its benefits, “hydroxyurea is not widely accessible in Ghana.”
Stressing that, “many patients either cannot afford it or struggle with irregular supply through the health system.”
Moreover, he argued that scaling up access would provide immediate relief while the country builds the infrastructure, trains specialists and secures funding needed to support curative therapies in the future.
With an estimated 15,000 babies born with sickle cell disease annually in Ghana, Dr Osei Tutu cautioned that “failure to improve access to effective treatment will leave many patients vulnerable to preventable complications and early death.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
Hot!
Let’s reintroduce Cultural Studies to complement educational reforms — Tourism Minister
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has emphasised the importance of reintroducing Cultural Studies in schools as part of Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda.
She said Cultural Studies would complement existing efforts to reposition Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote digital literacy and expand Creative Arts education.
Speaking at the 2025 Homowo Festival of the people of Ningo-Prampram, held on the theme: “Education: The Best Legacy for our Children,” Madam Gomashie said cultural education was critical to national identity and development.
She noted that the festival’s theme aligned with the Government’s vision to transform education in Ghana and encouraged the youth to embrace it not only as a means of personal development but also as a way of preserving traditional values.
These values, including patience, wisdom, and hard work, were at the core of the Homowo celebration, the Minister said.
“Cultural festivals like Homowo are vital instruments for strengthening cultural identity, preserving historical memory, and fostering national unity. Additionally, festivals serve as platforms for educating the youth through storytelling, music, dance, and other traditional practices, while also providing opportunities for community engagement.”
Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing to over GH¢4.8 billion to the economy.
“Festivals give tourists reasons to visit our country. Therefore, with the right infrastructure and the development of all the domains, the sector can do more than what has been recorded,” she added.
Mr Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, commended the community for their vibrant participation in the festival. He announced plans for the construction of a new nursing training school in Ningo, aimed at expanding access to healthcare education in the area.
Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Paramount Chief of Great Ningo Traditional Area; King Dr Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area; Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area; Naana Dugbakuwor Dugba II, Paramount Queen Mother of Great Ningo; and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Special Envoy on Religion and Inter-Faith Affairs, who represented the Chief of Staff, were among dignitaries at the festival. -GNA
