IT Consortium urges ethical use of AI in journalism

IT Consortium, one of Africa’s foremost financial services technology providers, has called on journalists to uphold ethical and responsible standards in the use of artificial intelligence (AI), especially as the technology transforms the landscape of media and financial reporting.

This call formed part of activities marking World Press Freedom Day, during which the Institute of Financial and Economic Journalists (IFEJ), in partnership with the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC), led a company visit to IT Consortium. The visit included a workshop on the practical application of AI in fintech and journalism.

Speaking during the session, CEO of IT Consortium, Romeo Bugyei, noted that while AI offers immense potential to enhance journalism, it also raises ethical concerns that must be addressed collaboratively by stakeholders.

“It is a real honour to welcome you all as we mark World Press Freedom Day – a day that reaffirms the critical role of free and responsible press in shaping democratic societies and well-informed economies,” Bugyei said.

He explained that as a financial technology firm operating where “finance, data, and digital innovation converge,” IT Consortium understands the “power of information and how it moves markets, influences decision-making and drives public trust.”

“This year’s theme – Reporting in the Brave New World: Artificial Intelligence, Press Freedom, and Media – is both timely and urgent,” he said. “Artificial Intelligence is transforming financial reporting, media integrity and news consumption.”

Bugyei challenged journalists to ask difficult but necessary questions: “Will AI be an ally in amplifying truth in financial reporting or a tool that accelerates misinformation? Can it strengthen transparency or deepen opacity in already complex financial systems?”

“As George Orwell once said, ‘Freedom of the press, if it means anything at all, means the freedom to criticise and oppose.’ In this new era, that freedom must be preserved, even as the tools evolve,” he added.

Citing Proverbs 11:1, he concluded with a moral call: “The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favour with him. A timely reminder that truth, fairness and integrity must remain our standard – whether in markets, media or machines.”

Practical tips for navigating AI challenges

Senior Research Engineer at IT Consortium, Jerry Agudogo, delivered a technical session on how journalists can navigate the opportunities and risks of AI in content production.

He warned that AI presents both an opportunity and a test: “AI is a tool, yes, but it’s also going to be a huge test for us and human society moving forward. Being able to tell what’s true and what’s not is going to be a huge deal.”

Agudogo urged journalists to focus on what AI cannot replicate. “Yes, AI can write a story, but it can’t get the sources for you, and it can’t do the investigation thoroughly. That role remains with journalists – as informers, verifiers, truth-tellers, and digital guardians.”

He recommended digital techniques such as “signatures from verified news sources and webs of trust” to help audiences trace the provenance of credible information.

Agudogo also emphasised the need for legislation to govern how algorithms influence information visibility: “The economics around information means sensationalist content often gets more traction. To ensure truth spreads, we’ll need regulatory support.”

He concluded with a strong call for collective action: “Now, especially as the world is about to be flooded with more misinformation than even educated people can discern, the role of journalists will be more relevant than ever.”

Report by Gloria Saah for Asaase News in Greater Accra

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