UPSA, Hallmark sign MoU to establish AI lab

The University of Pro­fessional Studies Accra, UPSA and Hallmark Research Lab, a Ghanaian based AI research entity, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish an Artificial Intelli­gence (AI) Lab at UPSA. The lab will tackle Ghana’s AI challenge with labour substitution by redesigning jobs and creating opportunities for Ghanaians to prepare for newer and higher earning jobs that have become available now. With the signing of the MoU, Hallmark Research Lab, will in the next 10 years commit a significant investment of a $240 million and will bring together the brightest minds from both industry and the university and give them the resources and the freedom to explore the uncharted territories of AI. Speaking at the signing ceremo­ny in Accra yesterday, Mr Philip Gamey, Executive Chairman of the Hallmark Research Lab, said the signing of the agreement paved the way for the creation of an AI laboratory, at UPSA, a development which fits into the President’s special initiative on AI. ‘‘This isn’t just the signing of a document; it’s the inauguration of a shared future in line with the Presidential Special Initiative on Artificial Intelligence. It’s a moment that, I believe, will be looked back upon as a pivotal step in the journey of Artificial Intelligence,” he said. He said “We are entering an era where AI is reshaping industries, redefining how we work, live, and interact with the world. But to truly unlock its full potential, to ensure it serves humanity ethically and effectively, we can’t do it alone. We need the deep scientific inquiry, the rigorous academic freedom, and the diverse perspec­tives that only a partnership like this can provide.” Mr Emmanuel Kwadwo Agye­kum, MP – Minister of State in Charge of Special Initiatives said the government believed that AI was crucial to tackle most of the country’s challenges. ‘‘In terms of the government’s position, everybody, the Pres­ident, and everyone is talking about AI now because that is the way to go, whether you like it or not, that is the way to go. AI has come to stay,” he said. Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, Vice Chancellor of UPSA, said he was of the view that a lot of transformations could be witnessed by the country with the use of AI. “We have to consciously change the way we build things, build capacity of our lecturers and I know this MOU will avail some facilities for UPSA lec­turers as well as enhance our research capacity when it comes to artificial intelligence and IT as a whole,” he said. BY TIMES REPORTER

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