AI and Digital Tools Must Not Be Used to Threaten Ghana’s Peace- Nana Oye Bampoe
Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration and Finance, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, has cautioned Ghanaians against the irresponsible use of artificial intelligence, social media and other digital technologies, warning that technology can either build or destroy society.
She said Ghana’s rapid digital transformation must be accompanied by responsible content creation, stronger cybersecurity and improved digital literacy.
Nana Oye Bampoe Addo made the remarks during the opening of the 2026 National ICT Week, where she stressed the need to balance technological advancement with national security, social stability and individual rights.
“Technology is also a weapon when wielded carelessly,” she cautioned.
According to her, the increasing availability of artificial intelligence tools and digital platforms had created enormous opportunities for innovation but also presented serious risks if placed in irresponsible hands.
She said AI tools, microphones and social media platforms could be used to build societies but could equally be deployed to damage reputations, spread misinformation and threaten national peace.
“Content creation must never become a tool to threaten our peace or target any citizen,” she said.
Her comments come amid growing concerns globally about the misuse of artificial intelligence, manipulated content, online fraud, misinformation and other forms of digital abuse.
Nana Oye Bampoe Addo said Ghana’s digital transformation agenda must therefore place cybersecurity and digital literacy at the centre of national development.
She highlighted the work of the Cyber Security Authority, saying it had dismantled cross-border fraud networks and arrested more than 140 suspects in a single operation.
She also noted that Ghana had achieved a perfect score in four pillars of the International Telecommunication Union’s Global Cybersecurity Index.
According to her, such achievements demonstrated the importance of building public trust alongside technological advancement.
“Our approach under the government's reset agenda is simple: inclusion, equality and safety,” she said.
She explained that safety could not be treated as an afterthought in the country’s digital transformation agenda.
Nana Oye Bampoe Addo also drew attention to the digital divide, particularly the disparity between men and women in internet access.
She said globally there were about 280 million more men than women online, while women’s connectivity in Africa continued to lag behind that of men.
She argued that Ghana’s digital transformation would only be meaningful if women, young people, persons with disabilities and underserved communities could participate fully and safely.
She called for stronger collaboration between government, academia, industry and other stakeholders to promote cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital citizenship.
The Deputy Chief of Staff further urged content creators to recognise the influence they wield and use digital platforms in ways that contribute positively to society.
She said the National ICT Week should provide an opportunity for stakeholders to have honest conversations about the benefits and dangers associated with digital technologies.
“We must strengthen cyber security and digital literacy together,” she said.
She also called for responsible regulation of digital content without stifling creativity or violating fundamental human rights.
Nana Oye Bampoe Addo maintained that Ghana could become a major player in the global digital economy, but that ambition would require a conscious commitment to making the country's digital ecosystem inclusive, innovative and safe.
Click the link Puretvonline.com | WhatsApp Channel to join the WhatsApp channel
Contact/WhatsApp: +233243201960 or manuelnkansah33@gmail.com
