Ghanaian legal luminary, Ace Ankomah has called on African leaders to pursue technological sovereignty anchored in strong ethical frameworks, warning that the continent must take greater control in shaping its digital future.
He said Africa could no longer afford to remain a passive consumer of technological systems designed elsewhere, arguing that such systems often reflect the philosophies and priorities of their creators, which may not align with African realities.
Mr Ankomah made the remarks when he delivered a paper titled “Cultivating Ethical Leadership for an AI-Driven Future: A Collective Pan-African Obligation” at the 2026 Commencement Address of the SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College in Tema, in the Greater Accra Region.
He stressed that Africa possesses values and traditions that are increasingly important in a technology-driven world, pointing to the continent’s strong culture of community, shared responsibility, and human-centred thinking.
“Africa needs coders, but conscientious coders. Engineers, but ethical engineers. Entrepreneurs, but principled entrepreneurs,”
“Above all, Africa needs brilliant people who are also good. For in this world, the greatest danger may not be the machines becoming human, but humans becoming machine-like — efficient but unfeeling, connected but isolated, informed but not wise,” he said.
Mr Ankomah noted that for too long, Africa had remained largely a consumer rather than a creator of technology, but said the rise of artificial intelligence presents a rare opportunity for the continent to actively shape global innovation.
“Today, however, AI has a rare opportunity for Africa, not merely to participate in a new technological opportunity, but to develop and shape it,” he stated.
He warned that failing to embed African contexts into AI systems could have far-reaching consequences, particularly in critical sectors such as healthcare, finance, and language technology.
“The challenge is even greater for Africa. Imagine healthcare systems that do not recognise African genetic diversity, financial systems that unintentionally exclude African communities, especially our women, or language technologies that sideline indigenous African languages,” he said.
“Imagine artificial intelligence making decisions about African realities without understanding Africa. These are not merely technological problems. It is a moral one.”
He further cautioned that hidden biases in AI systems could worsen inequality and discriminate against vulnerable groups, adding that early warning signs were already emerging.
Mr Ankomah also raised concerns about the rapid evolution of AI, noting that future systems could become capable of self-improvement at a pace that may be difficult for humans to control.
He stressed that no machine can replace human character, adding that the AI era demands more than technical expertise, but a strong foundation in ethics and values.
“Technology may undermine intelligence, but it cannot be without conscience,” he said.
He therefore called for a rethinking of education across the continent to prioritise not only technical competence, but also ethical leadership and human development.
The address formed part of the 2026 graduation ceremony of the SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College, and was aimed at inspiring graduates to become ethical leaders capable of shaping Africa’s role in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Source: GNA
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