By James Amoh Junior, GNA
Accra, Jan. 24, GNA – Journalists must position themselves at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption to remain relevant in the fast-evolving media landscape, Mr Celestine Achi, Chief AI and Information Management Office, Cihan Media Group, has urged.
Mr Achi underscored the growing role of AI in contemporary journalism and called on journalists to embrace AI tools not just as aids but as catalysts for innovation and accuracy in news production.
Speaking at a three-day AI training for journalists in Accra, the AI expert stressed that, “AI is no longer the future; it is the present. Journalists must understand its transformative power and use it to enhance their work, from automated fact-checking and transcription to data analysis and audience engagement.”
The comprehensive three-day training programme was designed to equip journalists and editors with cutting-edge AI tools and knowledge for modern media operations.
Organized by the U.S. Agency for Global Media, an independent U.S. Government funded agency and the Voice of America, the training was recognized and accredited by the Institute of Information Management Africa.
The 25 participants, drawn from the Central, Western and Greater Accra Regions, underwent several models including, Fundamentals of AI and machine learning, Applications across converged media (Print, Online, Broadcast), Ethics and responsible AI use in Journalism, Prompt Engineering and Guided Practice, and AI in News Gathering and Reporting.
Mr Achi, also renowned expert in Digital Communications and AI, said “the world of communications isn’t about tomorrow, it’s about right now. And right now, AI has fundamentally
changed the game for the media industry. From crafting the perfect message to reaching audiences across the globe.”
“AI tools are no longer an option, they’re essential,” he emphasized.
The future of AI, he said, was Generative AI, which was rapidly evolving, promising to revolutionize various industries.
According to him, while traditional AI remained crucial for many tasks, the combination of both approaches would unlock even greater potential for diversely talented AI Prompt Engineers rigged with futuristic AI skills worldwide.
He explained that unlike Generative AI, Prescriptive AI went a step further by suggesting the best possible course of action.
A key difference, Mr Achi added, was that while predictive AI forecasted the future based on past (or current, real-time) data, prescriptive AI the future could be shaped according to specific requirements.
He urged journalists to have a mastery of English Language with an ability to craft perfect scenarios for prompts, effectively use AI in newsroom workflow for gathering, production, and dissemination of news.
The expert further encouraged media organizations to invest in AI training for their staff to ensure they were equipped to use emerging technologies effectively.
“Journalists who fail to embrace AI risk being left behind, while those who adapt will lead the next wave of media innovation,” he stated.
Paula Caffey, Co-Regional Marketing Manager, West & Central Africa, Washington DC, reiterated that “AI is not going away, and I know that a lot of media organization are very careful about AI use.”
That, she said, necessitated the training of journalists in AI organized by the USAGM – the parent agency of the VOA – to ensure that it was incorporated in newsroom workflow for efficiency in production with all the policy and ethical considerations.
Mathew Asada, Press Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, highlighting a range of training opportunities designed to empower journalists with the skills needed to thrive in the evolving media landscape.
Mr. Asada urged Ghanaian media practitioners to take advantage of such initiatives to remain competitive globally.
Mr Michael Asharley, a participant and journalist from Multimedia Group, who expressed enthusiasm about the possibilities AI in quality journalism said, he could significantly reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks like transcribing interviews, allowing him to focus on more in-depth reporting.
“The training was an eye-opener — it showed how AI can cut out mundane, repetitive tasks and open doors to more creative, impactful storytelling. The practical sessions brought these ideas to life in ways that felt exciting and doable,” he said.
GNA