The Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development (AI4SD) project under the Responsible AI Lab (RAIL) has successfully trained more than 50 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to harness the power of AI for sustainable business growth.
The two-day intensive training, a core component of the Lab’s commitment to grassroots economic development, equipped business owners with hands-on skills in using free and low-cost AI tools to enhance productivity, drive innovation, and streamline operations.
Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, Principal Investigator, Scientific Director of RAIL, and the Project Lead for AI4SD, emphasised that this training marks a significant milestone in the Lab’s long-term mission to make AI accessible and actionable for local businesses.
“Today is not the end. It is the beginning of a collaborative journey we are embarking on with the SME community. Our vision is to foster a symbiotic relationship where industry and research co-evolve. We will create avenues where some of you can become fellows of the Lab, working closely with our researchers to integrate and tailor technology into your business models,” Prof. Kponyo stated.
The training curriculum focused on practical applications where participants received step-by-step guidance on using AI for business automation, customer engagement, digital marketing, and financial reporting.
“If we pay particular attention to SMEs and begin to leverage technology, we can enhance efficiency and productivity,” Prof. Kponyo added. “Many tools can support accounting, routine tasks, and reporting, directly helping entrepreneurs understand their business health.”
Miss Elisabeth Morzadec, AI4SD Project Coordinator representing the French Embassy, a key partner, praised the initiative. “AI is not just for researchers or big tech companies. The Responsible AI Lab is demonstrating how it can be a practical tool for real businesses. By equipping SMEs, the backbone of Ghana’s economy, we are strengthening the entire ecosystem for sustainable development.”
Mr. Kwasi Nyamekye, Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) Chairman for Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regions, encouraged entrepreneurs to make the most of the sessions. He said that as business owners, one must be innovative and creative with the use of AI. He asked participants to take full interest in the training because it can make a real difference in their businesses.
Mr Makafui John Bedzrah, Innovation Manager, while demonstrating AI tools for creating promotional content, cautioned participants to use AI to promote their business, but always to be responsible for building trust with their customers.
Mr. Musah Ibrahim Ali guided entrepreneurs on ChatGPT prompt engineering and using platforms like Canva to create professional business materials.
