By Nana Kwame Bediako
Celebrating 75 years of excellence in journalism, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) held a commemorative lecture on Thursday, 15 August 2024. Mrs. Baaba Cofie, the chairperson of the commemorative lecture, opened the event with thought-provoking insights into the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of journalism. The event, marked by a sense of history and forward-thinking, highlighted the significance of embracing AI to advance the profession.
Mrs. Cofie began by underscoring the importance of the day’s topic, “AI and the Future of Journalism.” She expressed her delight at the fraternity’s willingness to embrace AI, which she described as an essential step towards shaping the desired future of journalism. Her remarks set the tone for a series of expert presentations and discussions aimed at exploring the multifaceted impact of AI on the field.
The lecture featured a lineup of experts who delved into both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI. Speakers discussed how AI technologies could enhance journalistic work by automating routine tasks, analysing vast amounts of data, and providing new tools for storytelling. At the same time, they acknowledged the ethical and practical challenges that come with integrating AI into journalism, such as maintaining editorial integrity and addressing potential biases in AI algorithms.
She further urged all journalists to be conscious of the need to steer the future of journalism in an AI-driven generation. The event provided a platform for journalists to engage in meaningful dialogue and exchange ideas on how to harness AI for the betterment of the profession.
The event not only commemorated the GJA’s rich history but also served as a catalyst for ongoing discussions about the future. By embracing AI, journalists can look forward to a future where technology and human creativity work hand in hand to enhance the way stories are told and shared with the world.
