Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Presidential candidate for the 2024 elections, has launched an innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot called “BawumiaGPT.”
This groundbreaking AI platform allows voters across Ghana to engage directly with Dr. Bawumia, providing insights into his policies and thoughts, and marking the first use of AI in Ghanaian political campaigning.
Accessible at www.bawumiagpt.com, the chatbot aims to bridge the gap between the presidential candidate and the electorate, offering an interactive experience that mimics a face-to-face conversation. The AI initiative is part of Bawumia’s strategy to integrate advanced technology into his campaign, allowing voters from diverse demographics and regions to engage with him on key issues in real time.
However, the excitement surrounding BawumiaGPT has been overshadowed by reports of misuse. Some individuals have exploited the platform to spread disinformation, scam unsuspecting citizens, and manipulate conversations for political and financial gain. Users have shared fabricated screenshots of interactions with the AI, impersonated public figures, and circulated false narratives, contributing to public confusion, especially regarding NPP policies as the 2024 election approaches.
On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, there have been growing concerns about the platform being used to mislead people and even incite violence.
Several political leaders and groups have voiced their worries about the potential harm of such misuse, while others commend Dr. Bawumia for embracing technology in his campaign.
Though BawumiaGPT represents a technological milestone in Ghanaian politics, there are ongoing debates about whether the risks posed by misinformation and manipulation outweigh the benefits of increased voter engagement.
