But he has acknowledged the gap in effective communication of scientific research and knowledge to influence policy.

He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Capacity Building Workshop for Media Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Reportage held in Accra.

“The most industrialised countries achieved what they have now because they focused on science education and technology advancement. I have profound respect and appreciation of the media can play in the advancement of STI. I realized the lack of proper communication during my tenure as a deputy minister,” he said.

Nearly 30 journalists drawn from across Ghana participated in a five-day workshop.
The weeklong training exposed the journalists to tenets of science and technology reporting in the advancing national developments.

The training is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office and in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST).

British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, highlighted the importance of journalists in the dissemination of scientific ideas and findings to impact society.

“Together, all of you are building a network of journalists who understand science, technology and innovation, who see the impact STI is already having in Ghana. I hope you’d see the huge potential science and technology will have in Ghana in the near and further off future,” she said.

Ten journalists out of the 28 participants including the Multimedia Group’s Anass Sabit and Emmanuel Bright Quaicoe were awarded grants to pursue stories in the science and technology field.

They are expected to have further training in science reporting. at the Imperial College – London.

The Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I) training by the British High Commission in collaboration with Responsible AI Lab (RAIL) –KNUST and the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST) is to enhance journalists’ ability to translate complex ST&I developments into accessible stories for the public.

The Capacity Building for Media Excellence in Science, Technology, and Innovation Reportage program will equip reporters with the necessary tools and understanding of scientific innovations and foster better communication between the scientists and journalists.

The training saw an increase in participation compared to last year, when 20 journalists took part.

Principal Investigator and Scientific Director of RAIL KNUST, Prof. Jerry John Kponyo shared concerns about the disconnect between scientists and media in reporting scientific breakthroughs.

He highlighted the importance of science reporting as a specialized skill and stated that KNUST, through RAIL, is working to address this need by building the capacity of journalists.

Prof. Kponyo emphasized that “science research and reporting are skills that require training, and being a scientist or journalist does not automatically make someone a good reporter on science, technology, and innovation (STI).

To address this pressing need of building skills and capacity in Science, Technology, and Innovation reporting, the university seeks to mount the workshop as a short course.

The training is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office and in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST).

Development Director at the British High Commission, Richard Sandall reiterated the need for journalists to use their platforms to translate the important scientific breakthroughs to ensure impact, growth and also avoid misinformation.

He also emphasized the importance of accuracy in reporting and noted that the training would help improve journalists’ skills while addressing misinformation.

“We don’t often read scientific papers; we don’t often attend academic symposium. Most journalists and the public don’t. There is often a big barrier of what scientist know and understand and getting that information to the people who can use it – decision makers, activists, teachers, general public- and that barrier is essentially creating a vacuum where information should be. Where there is a knowledge vacuum, misinformation rushes in. That vacuum has to be filled, and it will be filled with bad information when the good information is not provided” he said.

As part of the Ghana UK Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Strategy initiative, the top 10 journalists will receive £1,000 each for the stories they pitch.

Winners will receive training and knowledge exchange at the Imperial College London to further hone their skills in science reporting from other science journalists across the globe.

Vice-President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Linda Asante Agyei encouraged journalists to improve their science literacy to handle the complexities of science reporting.

She also suggested that scientists involve journalists from the beginning of their research to aid understanding and respect journalistic ethics.

Director of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MEST), Kwamena Quayson highlighted the role the ministry is poised to support journalists and urged the participants to learn more on STI reporting to shape society.

He expressed his gratitude to RAIL-KNUST, British High Commission and other stakeholders for enhancing professional development of media practitioners in STI reporting.

The panel discussion held on the opening of the workshop explored the UK-Ghana STI strategy, discussing ways to strengthen partnerships and improve the translation of STI impacts into public-friendly messages.

The lab’s work on AI-powered solutions for rare diseases will be featured at booth 18 in the exhibition hall, marking a key moment in African AI research and development.

Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, Project Lead for AI4SD and Principal Investigator at RAIL, expressed optimism about the summit’s potential to advance Ghana’s AI agenda.

He noted that, “the summit could inject energy into Ghana’s efforts to complete and adopt a national AI strategy aimed at economic transformation, with the goal of positioning Ghana as a leader in AI development within Africa”.

The Ghanaian delegation’s presence, sponsored by the French Embassy, reflects a broader initiative to ensure African perspectives are included in global AI governance.

Prof. Kponyo emphasized the importance of knowledge exchange within the AI ecosystem and a focus on collaboration that benefits all involved.

For Ghana and the African continent, the summit offers a crucial opportunity to influence the future of global AI development.

Prof. Kponyo highlighted the potential for “key resolutions towards global cooperation in the development of AI solutions for the mutual benefit of all,” emphasizing the importance of balanced international partnerships in advancing AI technology

AI4SD and RAIL’s participation in the summit, alongside global innovations, is a significant recognition of African AI capabilities.

This milestone, along with Ghana’s ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive national AI strategy, underscores the country’s emerging role in technological innovation across Africa.

The summit will host high-profile panels with leaders such as Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury and Microsoft President Brad Smith.

African perspectives will also be showcased, with speakers like Nyallang Moorosi from the Distributed AI Research Institute and Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, addressing global AI ecosystem development and inclusive AI practices.

The event will feature around 100 affiliated activities throughout Paris, addressing topics such as public interest AI, workplace transformation, trust in AI, and global governance. The involvement of international organizations such as the UN and UNESCO, along with academic and civil society groups, highlights the summit’s inclusive approach to AI governance.

Ghana’s participation, particularly through RAIL’s innovative work, demonstrates the continent’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to global AI development while addressing key healthcare and economic challenges.

The initiative, aims to introduce and mentor students to robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), is funded by the French Embassy in Ghana and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).

AI4SD’s RAIL robotics club is designed to encourage students to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), while developing skills in creativity, innovation, and critical thinking.

Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, the project lead for AI4SD, spoke during the launch and highlighted the importance of the robotics club.

“The Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development (AI4SD) project and Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab (RAIL) is focused on using AI to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). AI plays a role in achieving these goals, and it is important that we engage with students at the Junior and Senior High School level to spark their interest in STEM,” Prof. Kponyo said.

Dr. Mrs. Eunice Akyereko Adjei, the team lead for AI in Education under AI4SD, guided the students through the admission requirements for Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and officially inaugurated the RAIL Robotics Club.

Dr. Adjei urged students to set clear career goals, seek mentorship, and make the most of the opportunity to learn about artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.

Dr. Kwame Oteng Gyasi, lead trainer for the RAIL Robotics Club, introduced students to AI and ethics.

A workshop for mentors of the RAIL Robotics Club was conducted, led by Dr. Kingsford Sarkodie Obeng Kwakye, a member of the AI in Education team.

The session provided mentors with the tools and knowledge to guide students in their exploration of AI and robotics.

Mr. Ayaana Umar Karim, Municipal Director of Education for Akatsi South Municipality, addressed the students, urging them to embrace robotics and innovation.

“Once you get yourself embedded in robotics, you become very creative and progressive in undertaking those tasks. It is becoming more market-driven; therefore, we want you all to embrace this program and join the robotics club. By joining the robotics club, you are learning about technology and becoming problem-solvers. The skills you acquire will help you in the job market,” he said, encouraging the students to fully engage in the learning process.

The Science, Technology, Mathematics, and Innovation Education (STMIE) Coordinator for the Volta Region, Rosemary Ahiadeke, emphasized the significance of introducing STEM education at the basic level for students.

According to her, “early exposure to STEM is crucial in preparing the next generation for the demands of the modern world, where technological skills are increasingly in high demand”.

During the launch of AI4SD’s RAIL Robotics Clubs in the Akatsi South District, the head teachers of the three participating schools pledged their support to ensure the success of the initiative.

Mr. Dogbatse Philip of Avenor Senior High School (S.H.S), Mr. Duho Barnabas Gumenu of Dagamate M.A Junior High School (J.H.S), and Mr. Akakpo John of Wlitey Junior High School (J.H.S) expressed their commitment to fostering a productive and engaging environment for their students.

Delivering her speech via zoom, Mama Adzorhlor III, the Queen Mother of Dagmate, thanked KNUST and the AI4SD RAIL team for their support in providing students, especially girls, with the opportunity to learn about AI and robotics.

Mama Adzorhlor called on communities to support girls in overcoming challenges like period poverty, ensuring that every girl has access to education in fields like AI and robotics.

“This is the future, and we must ensure that no girl is left behind,” she added.

The launch of the RAIL Robotics Club at Avenor S.H.S, Dagmate M.A J.H.S and Wlitey J.H.S   marks the beginning of a new chapter for students in the Akatsi South Municipality in the Volta Region of Ghana.

The AI4SD Responsible Artificial Lab (RAIL) robotics club initiative, funded by the French Embassy in Ghana and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), will foster interest in robotics and artificial intelligence among Ghana’s youth.

The AI4SD project lead, Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, in his address, emphasized the importance of preparing students for 21st-century jobs, particularly through initiatives like robotics.

“This particular initiative of reaching out to various Junior and Senior High Schools (SHS) to prepare you for 21st-century jobs is key to your future. We recognize that the future belongs to those who are able to harness the digital world, and as a continent, we have the advantage of having a very youthful population. The best we can do is ensure that we are securing our youth for the future,” he said.

Prof. Kponyo reassured Achimota Basic School, saying, “We want to assure you that, as far as it depends on us, we will provide everything you need to succeed with this initiative.”

Dr. Mrs. Eunice Akyereko Adjei, who doubles as the team lead for AI in education under AI4SD and the RAIL Women in Technology Officer, coordinated the event.

She inaugurated the club and highlighted the importance of integrating artificial intelligence into education to support sustainable development.

Dr. Kwame Oteng Gyasi, a member of AI in education under the AI4SD project, introduced the students to AI and ethics.

The students were also educated on the importance of robotics using Legos and block coding, while teachers had a practical experience of how to combine Legos and block coding.

Mrs. Bridget Dwumfour Boadu, Circuit Supervisor, made an appeal to expand the robotics club to other branches of the school.

“My appeal is that the RAIL robotics club should be enrolled in the other Achimota school branches because it’s very educative. When you’re abreast with AI, it reduces human errors, and I think it’s a very good gesture for the robotics club to come here and enroll the students,” she noted.

The Headmistress of Achimota basic school, Mrs. Edith Kyeremateng, during the inauguration, emphasized the global shift toward automation.

“We can’t be left out in this initiative. We need to move with the world, and we are fortunate to have this opportunity at such a tender age,” she added.

Mrs. Kyeremateng encouraged the first members of the club, noting, “Today, it’s just a club, but with time, we’re looking forward to a time when this will be part of the curriculum, and every child will have the opportunity to learn hands-on robotics. I encourage the first club members to put in all your best to ensure that you learn everything you need to know so you can train others,” she advised.

She added, “We’ll put in the best effort to ensure that, a year from now, we will be counted among the best robotics clubs in Ghana.”

Mr. Emmanuel Ankomah, Municipal STEM Coordinator, said, “The municipality is committed to providing guidance and support to the basic school.”

Rev. Maxwell Obeng, who represented the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), lauded AI4SD for the project and urged students to take full advantage of the opportunity.

“This is a great initiative; we encourage all students to engage fully and make the most of what is being offered,” the PTA representative said.