Mark Okraku-Mantey urges creative industry to embrace AI

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, has emphasized the need for Ghana’s creative industry to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) to remain globally competitive.

“If you think digital, automatically AI comes to mind, especially in the arts, particularly music,” Okraku-Mantey stated.

He acknowledged the increased use of AI in music production but warned that traditional roles like sound engineering could become obsolete if industry players don’t adapt quickly.

“The digitalisation centre in Ghana must sensitise people, and our schools must ensure that the AI concept becomes part of our DNA so we don’t often become reactive,” he said, urging creatives to be proactive to technological advancements.

Mr Okraku-Mantey criticized the local creative sector’s tendency to adopt new technologies after they have become outdated, hindering the industry’s growth.

He emphasized the role of creative schools in preparing students to navigate the evolving digital landscape, prioritizing AI education to ensure graduates can compete globally.

“AI is a global product, so if you delay, you might end up getting out of business,” he warned.