Private legal practitioner, Ace Kojo Anan Ankomah, has emphasised the need for African leaders to shape the future of Artificial Intelligence in a way that prioritises humanity.
According to him, although AI has capabilities to better the lives of mankind, it also has limitations, citing certain attributes which is only peculiar to humanity.
In his 2026 Commencement address to the graduating class of the SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College in Tema, on Saturday, June 6, 2026, he highlighted how AI is shaping humanity but has limitations.
“When I was a student, research meant class notes and library books. Our understanding was shaped largely by what teachers taught and authors wrote. Today, Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the world before our eyes,” he stated.
He, however, stressed that “AI cannot define justice, feel compassion or choose conscience over convenience. Only human beings can do that,” urging the graduates to be ethical leaders in their future endeavours.
The renowned lawyer further emphasised the importance of Pan-Africanism in the AI era, calling on Africa to seek technological sovereignty, rather than isolation, and the capacity to shape its own future.
“Pan-Africanism must now be understood beyond political and economic terms. In the twenty-first century, it must also be intellectual and technological.”
He urged the graduates to combine intelligence with wisdom, innovation with conscience, ambition with compassion, and leadership with service.
“The future of a world reshaped by technology at breathtaking speed, will not be decided by machines, but by the character of those who create and use them,” he noted.
Additionally, he emphasised the need for Africa to prioritise education and skills development, saying, “we must equip ourselves with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an AI-driven world.”
The former lecturer at the Ghana School of Law also highlighted the importance of promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, reemphasising the need to “create an ecosystem that supports startups and small businesses to drive economic growth and job creation.”
He concluded by admonishing the graduates to be true Africans, combining intelligence with wisdom, innovation with conscience, ambition with compassion, and leadership with service.
“I dare you to be a true African: combine intelligence with wisdom, innovation with conscience, ambition with compassion, and leadership with service. Long after AI has evolved beyond our imagination, integrity, courage, discipline, compassion and service will still determine whether societies flourish or fail,” he said.
His message was themed: “‘Cultivating Ethical Leadership for an AI-Driven Future: A Collective Pan-African Obligation.”
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