Dr. Apaak calls for ethical AI use as technology transforms education

Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Abas Apaak has cautioned against the unregulated use of artificial intelligence in education, warning that the technology could expose learners to misinformation, bias and privacy violations.

He said although AI presents opportunities to improve teaching and learning, its adoption must be guided by ethical standards and responsible use.

Speaking at the Tɛkyerɛma Pa Hackathon and AI Summit 2026 at the University of Ghana, Legon, on Friday, October 30, Dr. Apaak said the benefits of artificial intelligence must be weighed against the risks it poses to learners and the education system.

He noted that AI could assist teachers in preparing learning materials and supporting students who struggle academically, but warned that the technology was not without challenges.

“AI can help teachers prepare materials, support struggling students and enable entrepreneurs to build solutions. But it can also reproduce bias, generate inaccurate information, undermine privacy and make borrowed work look original,” he said.

The Deputy Minister stressed that Ghana’s approach to integrating AI into education must go beyond technological competence to include critical thinking, integrity and ethical responsibility.

“The future of education must combine technological competence with human judgement, innovation with integrity, and digital intelligence with ethical responsibility,” he stated.

Dr. Apaak also called for technology to be assessed based on its actual contribution to learning, particularly whether it improves students’ understanding, supports teachers and benefits underserved communities.

He said the country’s AI education agenda must be built on strong foundations, including literacy, numeracy and effective teaching.

His remarks formed part of his keynote address at the summit, held under the theme, ‘Reimagining Education for an AI-Driven Future: Empowering Ghanaian Learners to Innovate, Create and Lead’.

The event brought together students, researchers, technology innovators, industry leaders and academics to explore how artificial intelligence can be applied to education and national development.