{
  "id": 18560313,
  "title": "Before buying AI, businesses need to ask better questions",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/before-buying-ai-businesses-need-to-ask-better-questions",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-11-06T20:04:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/before-buying-ai-businesses-need-to-ask-better-questions/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Before purchasing artificial intelligence solutions, Ghanaian businesses must ask critical questions to ensure the technology aligns with their needs. When evaluating AI providers, businesses should request a demonstration showcasing the actual service rather than polished examples. During the demonstration, the owner should present a fictional order with specific conditions, such as an unavailable paper size, unclear delivery instructions, and an unauthorized discount. By comparing the provider's output with the expected results, businesses can assess the system's accuracy and reliability.\n\nIt is essential to understand what the service delivers, what responsibilities remain with the business, and the process for leaving if the service disappoints. Businesses should request transparency regarding where customer information is processed, how long it is retained, and whether it is used for model training. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre advises assessing external AI providers and controlling data sent outside the organization, highlighting the importance of limiting access to necessary functions.\n\nA useful AI service should help employees communicate business information accurately, not merely generate more text. When comparing AI solutions, businesses should ensure that the revised quotation retains essential elements like prices, deadlines, and conditions while improving readability. The supplier should provide written commitments for account history access, employee departure procedures, and deletion request handling.\n\nSecurity claims made by AI providers should be backed by evidence and limitations rather than promising invulnerability. Businesses should choose a penetration testing company authorized to conduct the relevant services in Ghana and verify the provider's certificate through the Cyber Security Authority’s verification portal. The scope, written permission, reporting process, and repair checking arrangements should be agreed upon before conducting the tests.\n\nWhen calculating the cost of AI solutions, businesses should compare offers using the same workload and number of staff. They should inquire about setup, training, storage, support, usage limits, and charges for connecting other business systems. The NCSC notes that different cloud licenses can include varying security features, and businesses should confirm that essential protections are included in the quoted package.\n\nBefore finalizing the decision, businesses should assess the time employees spend reviewing outputs and correcting mistakes, as faster drafting does not always mean faster completion. They should also check the billing currency, renewal conditions, and communication regarding price changes. Lastly, businesses should require a clear support route, identifying who responds to failures and what assistance is included, and plan for an exit strategy before signing the contract.",
  "summary": "A recent analysis encouraged Ghanaian entrepreneurs to connect artificial intelligence with practical needs, including customer communication and record-keeping. That is a useful starting point, but it leaves another question: how should a business choose the company providing the technology? A convincing demonstration should begin a discussion, not end it. Before committing money or uploading…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}