Senior Staff Engineer at Google Research, Jason Hickey, has assured workers and job seekers that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will not replace human roles in the near future, but will rather enhance productivity and support their work.
Speaking at an AI training organised by the United States Embassy in Accra, Mr Hickey encouraged participants to embrace the technology and use it to their advantage. “Use it productively for your own benefit. Let it serve you. Do not be afraid to use it,” he advised.
The training, held under the Regional AI Seekers Series of Public Engagements, brought together participants from Ghana, Liberia and Nigeria, including journalists, digital strategists, artists, architects, social workers and content creators.
Addressing concerns about job losses, Mr Hickey explained that individuals who are skilled in using AI tools are more likely to benefit from emerging opportunities. He noted that the technology is designed to complement human effort rather than replace it.
Providing historical context, he said AI dates back to the 1950s, evolving over time into a powerful tool now used in areas such as business development, academic writing and information retrieval. Despite its advancement, he stressed that AI does not possess true learning ability and depends on data, making human intelligence indispensable.
Mr Hickey also cautioned users to verify AI-generated content, noting that while the technology is useful, it is not always fully reliable. He further urged African stakeholders to advocate appropriate policy frameworks to regulate its use and ensure safety.
Deputy Chief of Mission in charge d’affaires at the US Embassy, Rolf Olson, highlighted the growing impact of AI across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, weather forecasting and the economy, describing it as a transformative force shaping the future of technology.
Meanwhile, Perry Nelson of Google Research Africa noted that AI is already being applied to solve problems across the continent, including food security, emissions reduction, infrastructure mapping and weather prediction.
Participants were also taken through the evolution of AI, its applications, data security concerns and the need for responsible use as the technology continues to gain prominence across the region.
