Rashidat Ibrahim
Moses Kwesi Biden, Chairman, Executive Director and CEO of MarginsID Group, said it was critical to implement strong cybercrime laws, regulations and other necessary measures to mitigate the risk of cybercrime and security breaches while leveraging AI in the country's digital systems.
He said it was important for countries to harness the power of AI to create safer, more transparent and prosperous societies, but security concerns must be taken seriously.
“The benefits of artificial intelligence are not without their drawbacks. AI and quantum computing can help criminals find vulnerabilities in cryptography, software and applications, and can also be used to create fake biometric templates. This could lead to an increase in cybercrime, the creation of false identities and the theft of personal data for criminal activity.”
“The potential drawbacks of integrating AI into the Ghana Card System need to be considered. One major concern is data privacy and security issues. It will collect and store vast amounts of personal information, which increases the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.”
“To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to have strong cybercrime laws, regulations, defensive tools, regular security audits, and quantum-safe computing in place to counter the risks posed by artificial intelligence,” he said.
Biden expressed these concerns at the 8th Ghana CEO Summit, where he delivered a keynote address titled, “Reigniting Growth, Charting a Path Forward: Transforming the Foundations of Ghana's National Identity with Artificial Intelligence (AI).”
Exploring the possibility of integrating AI with the Ghana Card System, Biden noted that while the Ghana Card and its technological infrastructure are ready, there is a need for people in both businesses and government to get ready by becoming familiar with AI and experts in its use.
He called for cooperation with domestic and international stakeholders in developing a clear ethical and legal framework for the appropriate use of AI to ensure that its benefits are not undermined by its threats.
He urged governments and private companies to invest in developing talent and harnessing the technology.
To remain relevant in the Fourth or Fifth Industrial Revolution, both governments and private companies will need to make similar investments.
Biden also called on agencies to strive to balance AI with human oversight, emphasizing the need for humans to maintain control of decision-making while AI plays a supporting role.
“The integration of AI can lead to over-reliance on technology and reduce the role of human judgment in key decision-making processes. To mitigate this, it is essential to maintain a balance between AI and human oversight. Humans should remain in control of the decision-making process and AI should provide support and augment human capabilities rather than completely replace them.”
Margins ID Group and its subsidiaries, through a partnership with the globally recognised National Identification Authority (NIA), have established a multi-sectoral National Identity Card (Ghana Card) that meets international standards and provides citizens with a convenient and secure means of verifying their identity both offline and online.
The system is based on three profiles – e-passport, e-ID and on-card verification – with all 10 fingerprints and face stored on the card, giving offline verification capabilities.
“National ID data can be used to plan budgets and test the assumptions underlying policies, manifestos and other initiatives aimed at delivering services to the people, such as education, infrastructure, subsidies and healthcare.
“Given accurate data, generative AI can predict the future with incredible speed and accuracy. Presidents and other leaders can make precise decisions at the touch of a button and manage the allocation of resources. For example, registering babies at birth can now provide accurate information on birth rates in each region.”
“A comprehensive National Identity Register (NIR) and best in class Ghana Card, coupled with the ability to analyse this data using AI for public and private research within the bounds of the law, will enable us to envision the future with precision and certainty, thus leveraging our demographic dividend and making the most of our data (the new gold) through the contribution of our talented and vibrant young minds,” he further stated.
