Ghana’s education system faces a growing challenge: how to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) without compromising students’ critical thinking and creativity, even as AI offers the ability to streamline research, analyze large volumes of data, and support learning.
For Eric Appiah, Director of Appiah Information Technology Systems, the issue is not so much a challenge as it is about striking the right balance. He emphasizes that AI should be harnessed to support human creativity and critical thinking, rather than replace them.
In a piece shared with The High Street Journal, Mr. Appiah highlighted that top global institutions are taking AI adoption seriously, restructuring curricula, and ensuring staff are equipped with AI skills.
He explained that Ghana should follow suit by teaching responsible AI use, focusing on enhancing students’ ability to think critically rather than merely copying information. “Education is not about copying and pasting, it’s about critical thinking. AI should enhance that process, not diminish it,” he said.
He also raised concerns about research showing that overreliance on AI can weaken cognitive abilities. While AI can simplify tasks and improve productivity, too much dependence may undermine the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that education is meant to cultivate. “We cannot let AI replace our ability to think,” he stressed.
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Mr. Appiah outlined practical ways AI can be used effectively. Tools like Perplexity AI and ChatPDF, he noted, allow students and researchers to manage large volumes of academic material, extract summaries, and connect ideas more efficiently.
However, he cautioned that these tools should support independent reasoning, not replace it. “AI learns from data and identifies patterns, but it is humans who must apply wisdom and creativity,” he explained.
He encouraged educators and students to view AI as a complement to human creativity, helping with presentations, research, and data analysis, while maintaining originality. “AI can generate ideas, but when you present your work, it is your originality and thinking process that truly matters,” Mr. Appiah said.
