Kumasi, Ghana – The Ghana Internet Safety Foundation (GISF) successfully hosted the 7th edition of its iLearn2Teach Series on Friday, March 7, at the Amonoo Neizer Conference Hall, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
Themed “Harnessing AI to Protect Children Against CSAM/OCSEA: Empowering Ghanaian Teachers for the Digital Age”, the event focused on equipping educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The training program brought together teachers, students and IT coordinators within the education sector, providing them with essential skills to guide students in the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) while ensuring online safety.
Speaking at the event, Gabriel Ofori Appiah, Head of Programmes and Outreach at GISF, emphasized the importance of AI literacy among teachers.
“Today, we harnessed Artificial Intelligence (AI) because students and pupils are already using AI. Many teachers are not well-versed in AI, so we provided this training to empower them to educate both their peers and students,” he stated.
He further stressed the significance of online safety, noting that “anyone with access to a phone or the internet must be protected online.”
He highlighted GISF’s commitment to giving back to society through these annual training programs, which have now run successfully for seven years.
“The internet is here to stay, and AI is now part of our lives. However, we must understand both its advantages and risks. This knowledge will help teachers guide students in using AI safely and responsibly,” Mr. Appiah concluded.
Taking his turn to speak, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of GISF, Emmanuel Adinkrah, said the world stands at a pivotal moment in our fight to protect children in the digital space as technology advances, so do the threats against the most vulnerable.
He said “Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OCSEA) and Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) are pressing issues that demand urgent and innovative solutions.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents us with a powerful tool to detect, prevent, and respond to these dangers.
… By harnessing AI-driven solutions, we can better safeguard children, identify threats in real time, and support law enforcement in holding perpetrators accountable. However, technology alone is not enough—we must also empower those on the frontlines: our teachers.”
Mr. Adinkrah noted that educators play a critical role in shaping a safe digital future for Ghanaian children.
“That is why GISF is committed to equipping teachers with the knowledge, skills, and AI-powered tools needed to detect early warning signs, educate students on digital safety, and create a secure learning environment.
Together, through strategic collaboration, capacity-building, and responsible AI implementation, we can turn the tide against online exploitation,” he stressed.
Meta’s Commitment to Online Safety
Also addressing the gathering, Sade Dada, Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa at Meta, reaffirmed the tech company’s dedication to ensuring a safe online experience for all users.
“Meta is committed to fostering a safer digital environment. Through our free online safety program, My Digital World, we have trained over 100,000 users,” she revealed.
She further emphasized Meta’s collaborations with key stakeholders, including GISF, to create a positive impact in the digital space.
Other speakers also included Shalom Anurigo CC Hub, META Training Partner and Kwasi Nyarko ESQ. Director of Policy Research and Legal at GISF.
The iLearn2Teach Series 7th Edition was supported by leading technology organizations, including Meta, Impact Amplifier, Google, and DigitalAid. Their contributions played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the event.
The initiative continues to make significant strides in shaping a digitally literate and responsible teaching community in Ghana.
By equipping educators with vital skills in AI and online safety, GISF is fostering a safer, more knowledgeable digital future for students across the country.
