The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations has successfully held a hybrid introductory AI training session for nominated focal persons from Sector Ministries and Key Institutions serving as a preparatory step for the forthcoming Artificial Intelligence (AI) Capacity-Building Bootcamp Workshop for Cabinet Ministers.

This engagement is specifically tailored to equip these individuals with the necessary knowledge and competencies to support their respective Ministers and spearhead AI-related initiatives across government institutions.

This was contained in a speech read by the Director Human Resource (HR), Mr Joseph Tetteh on behalf of the Minister, Samuel Nartey George, during a short opening ceremony held at the Ministry’s conference room in Accra.

According to him, the training session is a direct follow-up to the Ministerial Executive Leadership Programme (ELP) held in Ada, where a significant consensus was reached on the urgent need to leverage AI as a catalyst for the efficient and effective implementation of the Government’s Reset Agenda.

The Minister was subsequently tasked to lead the national effort, highlighting the Ministry’s renewed mandate to spearhead Ghana’s digital transformation agenda and build institutional capacity to harness the full potential of emerging technologies, especially Artificial Intelligence.

He said the initiative underscores the recognition that while exposing all Sector Ministers to foundational AI principles is vital, the long-term sustainability of this drive hinges on the capacity of focal persons across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“These individuals will be equipped with core knowledge of AI in governance and positioned as internal champions to drive its successful integration within their institutions, moving innovation and data-driven decision-making beyond rhetoric”, he added.

The foundational training, he explained is expected to culminate in the development of sector-specific AI strategies, which will be endorsed by His Excellency the President and integrated into Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) measuring Ministries’ contributions to the Reset Agenda through AI-driven solutions.

“The Ministry is fully committed to fostering an enabling environment for improved public service delivery through AI tools and solutions, aiming to enhance efficiency, transparency, and evidence-based policy-making”, he indicated.

The Minister extended sincere appreciation to its partners at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for their continued support, recognising the dedication and commitment of all focal persons who are set to be the ‘bridge’ translating this national AI capacity-building drive into measurable improvements in how the government serves the people.

Multiple award winning Multimedia journalist Latif Iddrisu has gone into hiding even as investigators at the Greater Accra regional police command make efforts to unmask faces behind a threatening text message sent to the journalist.

A reliable source close to the journalist has told the Ghanaian Times that an unknown person believed to be among the wanted supporters of the opposition NPP who assaulted Latif at the headquarters of EOCO in May this year, have doubled down by sending him a threatening message ordering him to discontinue his corporation with the police regarding the physical assault and threats at him, and the subsequent police complaint he filed.

A screenshot of the text message which has been cited by the Ghanaian Times reads, “Hey Latif, withdraw the matter from the police or we will cut you and your kids”. The anonymous person ends the message with caution, urging the journalist not to disobey his orders by doing anything contrary. “Don’t act tough man” it ends.

Deep throat source told the Times that a request for security protection for the journalist following the physical assaults and threats by the supporters of the opposition New Patriotic party, has not received any tangible response from the police administration.

The supporters who massed up at EOCO to support the Ashanti regional chairman of the NPP, Antwi Boasiako who was detained and interrogated at the organized crime office, assaulted and threatened the journalist that

“We know where you are coming from and we know what we can do”.

Another person also threatened the journalist with words like, “today is your last day”.

The deputy national organizer of the New Patriotic party, Lloyd Nii Kwei who allegedly confronted and interjected Latif’s live reporting before, during, and after he was physically assaulted, later that evening described the journalist as a “dangerous character” and vowed to blacklist him from programs organized by the New Patriotic party. 

“I will make sure he does not attend any of our (NPP) programs again”. The deputy national organizer of the NPP also attempted to gaslight Latif when he reported the assault that was captured on live TV. When the journalist reported it the moment the assault took place, the deputy national organizer of the New Patriotic party asked the journalist “who assaulted you?”, in an attempt to discredit the victim and his report as false.

The journalist and his family have been living in fear since the dastardly act of assault and threats of death, forcing him to flee from his house.

Sources close to the journalist told the Times that for personal safety and security reasons, Latif, who is also founder of Journalists Sanctuary International, an organization that champions advocacy for press freedom and safety of journalist, has gone into hiding because of the threat and suspicious maneuvering at the Accra Circuit Court by sympathizers of Theophilus Thompson, one of the suspects who has been arrested and is currently undergoing trial.

He is currently being housed in a shelter by the Whistleblowers and Journalist Safety International Center, an organization founded by the renowned multiple award winning undercover investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, to provide protection and preservation for whistleblowers and journalists who face danger and threats in line of duty.

Sources at the Greater Accra regional command of the Ghana Police service say it is waiting for a court order to compel a telecommunication company in Ghana to unveil the identity of the person who sent the threatening message.

If granted, the court order will play a central role in identifying the person who sent the intimidating text message to the journalist.

BY MALIK SULLEMANA