Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has sounded the alarm over the potential threat Artificial Intelligence (AI) poses to job security, urging lawmakers to enact legislation that protects Ghanaian workers from displacement as automation advances.
Addressing the Trades Union Congress (TUC) during a session devoted to labour issues, economic transformation, and the future of work, Dr. Bawumia described AI as a “frightening prospect” for the workforce. He acknowledged that while AI promises significant improvements in productivity and efficiency, its rapid integration into the workplace could jeopardize employment and income security for many.
“Machines and software applications are increasingly capable of performing tasks traditionally undertaken by humans,” he told the gathering, warning that businesses globally are embracing automation to cut costs and boost output, leaving several occupations vulnerable to technological disruption.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized the need for Ghana to act proactively, developing a national strategy that harnesses AI’s potential while safeguarding workers. “Artificial Intelligence should be a tool to complement human labour and not a substitute for it,” he asserted.
He called for collaboration among government, organized labour, employers, and technology experts to craft comprehensive laws and regulations that both protect workers and foster innovation. The proposed framework, he suggested, should include provisions for retraining, reskilling, and continuous education, ensuring workers are equipped with the skills to remain relevant in a digital economy.
Encouraging labour unions to take an active role in shaping the national AI agenda, Dr. Bawumia also expressed concern that Africa’s youthful population could face surging unemployment if technological progress outpaces investment in human capital. He stressed the importance of policies to guarantee that the rewards of AI are distributed equitably, avoiding a widening of social and economic divides.
With the right legislative safeguards and forward-thinking policies, Dr. Bawumia expressed confidence that Ghana can embrace the benefits of AI while protecting jobs and preserving the dignity of work.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com