Bawumia wants worker protections built into Ghana’s AI rollout
As Ghana moves to expand the use of Artificial Intelligence across its economy, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia says workers must not be left exposed to job losses and declining incomes caused by automation.
The New Patriotic Party flagbearer is proposing new laws and regulations to guide how businesses adopt AI, arguing that government, employers, organised labour and technology experts must work together to protect jobs while allowing innovation to progress.
He made the proposal during an engagement with the Trades Union Congress (TUC), where he warned that machines and software applications were increasingly taking over tasks traditionally performed by human workers.
Describing the development as a “frightening prospect” for employees, Bawumia said businesses were turning to automation to reduce costs and improve productivity, leaving some occupations vulnerable to technological changes.
He wants any legal framework to include retraining programmes, reskilling opportunities and continuous education so workers can adapt to changing demands in the labour market. He also called on trade unions to take an active part in discussions on AI policies to ensure workers are represented in decisions affecting their livelihoods.
The proposal comes as Ghana implements its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, launched in April 2026. The government has identified workforce development and digital skills training as important parts of its AI ambitions, including through the One Million Coders Programme. President John Mahama said at the strategy’s launch that the country’s approach would focus on using AI to strengthen human capabilities rather than replace workers.
The International Labour Organization’s 2025 assessment of generative AI also suggests that the technology is more likely to transform many existing jobs than eliminate them entirely. It estimates that one in four workers globally is in an occupation with some level of exposure to generative AI, while highlighting the importance of social dialogue in managing the transition.
Bawumia said deliberate safeguards would be necessary to ensure that the benefits of AI reach workers and businesses without worsening unemployment or existing inequalities, particularly among Africa’s young population.
Source: CNR
About The Author
