President Mahama Urges Ethical Use of AI to Boost African PR Policy Implementation
President John Dramani Mahama has stressed that clear, ethical communication remains the cornerstone of successful policy implementation across Africa, warning that without transparency and community ownership, even the best reforms risk failure.
Speaking in Accra at the closing ceremony of the
International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Knowledge Sharing Conference, President Mahama emphasized the dual potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in this new era.
“Artificial intelligence can advance our activities, support climate initiatives, and improve storytelling in our profession. But if abused, it can also spread disinformation on a scale we have never seen before,” the President said at the three-day conference, themed “Global Realities and Innovative Communication.”
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Call for Africa-Centric Frameworks
Mahama, who is a member of both IPR Ghana and the African Public Relations Association (APRA), noted that Africa stands at a defining moment. He cautioned against relying entirely on external models, urging professionals to design communication frameworks that reflect African values and cultural identity.
He further warned that poor communication has historically undermined development projects. “Clear communication is always crucial for supporting any initiative or policy. Without communication, mobilization and community ownership, enforcement cannot succeed,” he added.
Rebuilding Trust and Telling Africa’s Story
Reflecting on Ghana’s economy, the President acknowledged that reforms were gradually stabilizing inflation and improving business confidence.
He tasked communication professionals with helping to rebuild trust between governments and citizens by promoting transparency and dialogue.
Mahama concluded by tying the ethical use of AI to the continent’s global voice, noting that responsible technology adoption could amplify Africa’s identity and protect its interests.
“Technology, if properly managed, can help us tell our own stories rather than allow others to define us. That is the power we must harness,” he told the gathering of global PR experts, policymakers, and academics. The conference was hosted in partnership with APRA and the Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Ghana.
