Prominent lawyer and public intellectual Ace Anan Ankomah has called on young Africans to champion the global artificial intelligence (AI) revolution by integrating technological prowess with unwavering ethical values. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College (SOS-HGIC) Class of 2026 in Accra, Ghana, Ankomah delivered a keynote address emphasizing the continent’s critical role in shaping an AI-driven future.
An Extraordinary Moment in History
Ankomah described the current era as an “extraordinary moment in human history,” where artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping economies, political landscapes, and human interactions worldwide. He cautioned that while technology can augment intelligence, it cannot instill wisdom or conscience.
“The defining question of your generation will not be what technology can do, but what kind of people will control it,” he stated, highlighting the growing global concerns among scientists, technologists, and leaders about the need for responsible AI development and robust safeguards.
Africa’s Opportunity to Shape, Not Just Consume
The lawyer stressed that these concerns hold particular significance for Africa. Historically, the continent has often been a late entrant to global technological shifts, primarily as a consumer rather than a creator. However, Ankomah sees a unique opportunity for Africa to move beyond participation and actively influence the direction of the new technological age.
He challenged the graduating students to become ethical leaders capable of ensuring that AI innovations serve humanity’s broader interests, not just narrow agendas. “The AI era demands more than technical excellence,” he asserted. “It demands courage, wisdom and vision.”
A Personal Journey of Transformation
Ankomah shared a personal account of his own academic struggles as a secondary school student four decades prior. He admitted to drifting aimlessly during his early school years, even considering himself the “classmate least likely to succeed.” Placed in a class for weaker-performing students and grappling with a speech impediment, he experienced a profound realization that change was necessary.
This realization spurred him to discover the power of reading, disciplined study, and perseverance. “You only know what you study, and you cannot study what you do not read,” he told the graduates, emphasizing the foundational importance of knowledge acquisition.
Driven by determination, Ankomah immersed himself in reading and adopted a rigorous study routine. He repeatedly reviewed materials, practiced past exam questions, and set ambitious academic goals. By age 16, he aimed to study law at the University of Ghana, even identifying his desired residence hall.
He inscribed his goals and personal mantras in his textbooks, including the guiding principle: “Failure finds no hope when discipline and dedication lead.” This disciplined approach led to unexpected academic success, culminating in his admission to the Faculty of Law at the University of Ghana and graduating as the best A-Level student of his year, a feat that surprised many, including himself.
Lessons for an AI-Driven Future
Drawing parallels from his personal journey, Ankomah urged the graduates to embrace discipline, resilience, and lifelong learning as they navigate the increasingly AI-influenced future. He underscored that while technological tools will continue to evolve, fundamental human qualities like character, integrity, and ethical leadership will remain paramount.
“As Africa seeks its place in the AI age, the continent will need leaders who can combine innovation with conscience,” he concluded. “You must be that generation.” The graduates were inspired to view their education not just as a pathway to technical proficiency but as a foundation for developing the ethical framework necessary to guide Africa’s role in the global AI landscape.
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