The Ghana Armed Forces, as part of its efforts to enhance efficiency and productivity, have received specialised training on the use of generative AI tools in accelerating administrative tasks. The two-day training, which was facilitated by Accra Technical University, took place on the 28th and 29th of October at the Ghana Armed Forces Computer Center
Addressing participants at the opening of the training, the Director of the IT Department at the Ghana Armed Forces, Colonel Emmanuel Otu Seppey, drummed home the pivotal role technology plays in ensuring a balance between speed and accuracy in their administrative duty. He mentioned that the world has transitioned to the Artificial Intelligence (AI) era, and everybody must embrace and incorporate it into their work. He said that the benefits of using AI are immeasurable and encouraged participants to seize the opportunity to improve their productivity at work. He urged participants to fully engage themselves and make the most of the work training and their daily lives.

In her goodwill message, the Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development of Accra Technical University, Mrs. Linda Tormeti, encouraged participants to invest themselves in AI tools and explore the possibilities that abound in the technology. She stated that there is a gap in the adoption and use of AI in Africa, so there is a need for comprehensive education on its use to catch up with the rest of the world. She further disclosed that Africa lags behind others in AI investments, stressing the need for targeted resources in AI-driven fields. She expressed confidence that the training would transform participants’ work routines.

Mr. Obed Oduro from Accra Technical University’s Library Department spearheaded the training session, taking participants through the concept of AI and how it can be incorporated into their administrative tasks. He taught participants AI prompting techniques that will help them get the most out of the tool to serve the purpose for which they use it.
Participants were also taught how to use AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude and Microsoft Copiilot to carry out administrative activities like writing memos, reports, minutes, and responding to emails. Mr. Oduro mentioned the dynamism and efficiency AI brings to writing and organisation, adding that participants should learn how to get the best results by ensuring clarity in their prompts.

The training also covered essential security measures to safeguard sensitive information when using AI, a critical aspect for military personnel. Mr. Oduro advised on best practices, including disabling history, using non-institutional emails, and avoiding specific details in prompts. These measures, he noted, would help secure sensitive data and ensure safe AI interactions. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises, experimenting with ChatGPT to generate sample reports, and exploring AI applications such as transcription, image recognition, optical character recognition, and creating personalised AI models.
The two-day training offered insights into the use of AI by institutions such as the Ghana Armed Forces and the potential for capacity building, increasing efficiency, reducing errors, and enhancing productivity. Through its hands-on approach, participants grasped the scope of ChatGPT by developing prompting skills for assigned tasks, improving their overall user experience with the technology.