Ghana hosts 2nd African Digital Humanism Summer School
Ghana is hosting the second African Digital Humanism Summer School, bringing together researchers, academics, students and technology experts from across Africa and Europe to examine how emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), can be developed to serve humanity. The programme opened on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Central University, Accra, providing a platform for PhD…
Ghana has hosted the second African Digital Humanism Summer School, drawing researchers, academics, students, and technology experts from across Africa and Europe to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies can serve humanity. The event commenced on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Central University in Accra, offering a platform for PhD students, early-career researchers, and faculty to discuss digital humanism, digital sovereignty, and the human impact of technology.
Dr. Maud Ajele Ashon-Elliott, President of the Internet Society Ghana Chapter, emphasized that digital humanism focuses on ensuring people remain central to technological advancements, stating that technology should serve human needs rather than dictate them. The Ghanaian host country's significance was highlighted, noting that the summer school evolved from a discussion in Vienna to its inaugural African edition in Kigali, Rwanda, before making its way to Ghana.
Dr. Ashon-Elliott called for inclusive technologies that cater to persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups, as well as affordable and accessible digital solutions. Sandra Gintsberger, Deputy Head of Mission of the Austrian Embassy in Accra, stated that the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs supported the second edition, following its backing for the inaugural program in Kigali.
She affirmed that Ghana's democratic values and dynamic youth population, coupled with its burgeoning digital startup ecosystem, made it an ideal environment for continued dialogue on digital humanism and digital sovereignty. Gintsberger highlighted that the program aimed to enable African participants to develop their approach to digital humanism while exchanging ideas with European specialists.
The primary objective, she noted, was for participants to contemplate how AI could benefit humanity broadly rather than just a fraction of it. William Mutero, Director of the Center for Inclusive Digital Transformation of Africa (CIDTA) at Carnegie Mellon University Africa, stressed that the initiative sought to keep people at the forefront of Africa's technological progress, ensuring that engineering and technology ultimately serve human welfare.
He underscored the importance of African values, languages, and ways of life in shaping technological development, advocating for digital sovereignty that reflects African identity.
Written by urgent.news from The Chronicle Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
