Prudential Bank’s CIO calls for AI literacy and human‑centred skills at Ghana AI Summit

Leopold L.L. Armah, Chief Information Officer of Prudential Bank LTD, urged for a strategic realignment in Ghana's approach to workforce preparation for an AI-centric future during the Ghana AI Summit. Speaking at a panel discussion, Armah stressed the importance of striking a balance between technical expertise and skills such as creativity, analytics, and a suitable attitude.

He highlighted that digital transformation, propelled by technologies like AI, cloud computing, and IoT, is fundamentally altering industries, including banking, transforming traditional models into embedded financial services. Armah pointed out that banking has evolved drastically over the past two decades, moving away from traditional over-the-counter transactions to AI-driven services integrated into everyday activities.

He emphasized the need for future employees to possess analytical abilities, creativity, and a collaborative spirit, suggesting that a soft skill and a team player attribute is becoming increasingly crucial. Contrary to the traditional focus on academic qualifications, employers now prioritize demonstrated skills over formal education, underlining the importance of AI literacy, especially at the tertiary level.

Armah called for enhanced collaboration between academia and industry to foster innovation and create local content, warning that Ghana risks being mere consumers of AI rather than producers if deliberate efforts are not made. He cautioned that the current AI-driven narrative is predominantly centered around those who develop it, questioning the exclusion of non-English speaking individuals from this technological wave.

Armah concluded by reiterating that while AI reshapes the landscape of work, the human factor remains indispensable, as it is humans who ultimately drive AI advancements.