Mr Joseph Berkoh was the guest for the fourth episode of the Mentorship Sessions, where he led a discussion on “The Implications of AI for African Development.” As the Lead Consultant on Partnerships for the African Union’s Artificial Intelligence Continental Strategy, Mr Berkoh shared valuable insights into the transformative role of AI across various sectors in Africa.
As a former student of Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School and KNUST, Mr Berkoh stressed that technology is far more than coding or design.
“Tech isn’t just about coding or design; it’s an entire ecosystem,” he stated. He encouraged students to embrace diverse fields like ethics and mental health within tech, noting that empathy and trust are essential for creating safe and accessible solutions.
Mr Berkoh’s interest in literature, he explained, enriches his ability to communicate ideas effectively, underscoring that communication skills can bridge understanding in technology.
Mr Berkoh also discussed AI’s transformative potential, particularly in agriculture, where it aids in early disease detection and language translation, which grants more accessible information.
Mr Berkoh admonished the youth to create a balanced hybrid of local and foreign influences, rather than fully adopting external cultures.
“Ghanaian youth now have access to boundless knowledge with affordable internet. Reading a lot about our history will help us understand who we are and will help us know where we are heading." He noted.
Mr Berkoh ended his session by advising the youth to pursue their goals and dreams with truth, empathy, and determination. He urged them to ask insightful questions, connect with the right mentors, and explore diverse interests.
Join us on our social media pages at 5pm tomorrow, November 12, 2024, for a thought-provoking session with Dr. Naa Adzoa Adjeley Boi-Dsane, a Medical Doctor at Noguchi Memorial Institute of Research & Medicine, a Researcher and Disability inclusion advocate.
The 2024 edition of the STEM Festival is produced by Primetime Limited and proudly sponsored by Pepsodent, Jupay, Bel Beverages, YFM and GTP.