Scholarship / My Vision for AI in Ghana - Leadership and Influence Chevening [3]

My vision is for Ghana to build a thriving AI economy that tackles its unique challenges and keeps pace with global advancements, unlike in the past industrial revolutions. Although AI has the potential to significantly enhance the lives of Ghanaians, proliferation is hampered by issues such as a shortage of qualified workers, data scarcity, and poor digital infrastructure. Among other things, I believe that passionate, proactive leadership is key to overcoming these obstacles, and I am committed to being one of those leaders driving Ghana's AI transformation.

I was not born a leader but became one through the problems I identified and the steps I took to contribute to solving them. As I mentioned earlier, one main problem of AI adoption in Ghana is the lack of skilled personnel. My experience in capacity-building, especially as a mentor, has allowed me to address this gap directly by empowering others with the skills and confidence to pursue AI and technology. As a mentor at SheCodes Club at my university, I noticed that many female students felt apprehensive about programming and robotics. My goal was to not only teach them technical skills but also to inspire confidence and provide tailored support to help them engage fully with these fields. Through weekly classes, I guided them in programming and robotics, gradually transforming their initial hesitations into enthusiasm. When they faced challenges, I shared my own experiences of failure and perseverance, encouraging them to see setbacks as opportunities for growth. I also adapted my teaching style to fit individual learning needs, ensuring each student received the support they needed. By the end, many students confidently applied their new skills to final-year projects, demonstrating the lasting impact a good leader has on creating skilled individuals.

Furthermore, most existing AI solutions. do not meet the continent's specific needs. Keeping this in mind, I joined a team during the Africa Computer Vision Summer School Hackathon focused on developing an assistive device. For me, leadership involves fostering an environment rich in discussion where every contribution matters while guiding these conversations toward a common goal. To promote open collaboration, I organized brainstorming sessions and actively encouraged all team members, who were often hesitant, to share their ideas. I used my experience in creating assistive devices and my observations of the AI landscape to guide the discussions toward a solution that resonated with the African visually impaired community. This approach steered our discussions toward a Question and Answering System capable of effectively communicating in Swahili, Amharic, and English. Ultimately, our collaborative efforts culminated in winning the competition and securing a mentor to help bring our solution to life.

In conclusion, my leadership journey has fueled my commitment to encouraging the widespread building of AI solutions in Africa. hrough the Chevening program, I will refine my skills to drive sustainable growth and inspire others, ensuring Ghana emerges as a leader in the global AI landscape.

Note: I would appreciate any help to make is essay better. Additionally, I want to maintain this problems of AI theme throughout my essays, is that alright also?

Scholarship / Study in the UK Essay for Chevening - Modules and Access to Research Labs [3]

Prompt- Outline why you have selected your chosen three university courses, and explain how this relates to your previous academic or professional experience and your plans for the future.

The UK's advancements in robotics and computer vision make it an ideal environment for an AI professional like myself. Studying there would allow me to connect with startup leaders and innovators, gaining insights on building an AI research institute for robotics in Ghana. The international focus of UK universities also offers opportunities to learn from diverse perspectives, broadening my perspective.
The courses I have chosen cover essential areas such as computer vision, advanced control, machine learning, and robotic navigation. Together, they will equip me to design intelligent, adaptive systems, preparing me to develop autonomous robots for applications in autonomous systems and assistive devices. I am particularly motivated to apply these skills in Ghana's health and agriculture sectors.
Though similar in content, each program offers unique advantages aligned with my professional goals. For instance, the Master's program in Robotics at the University of Sheffield includes a machine learning and data modeling course focused on unsupervised methods, which is essential for creating data efficient solutions to combat data scarcity in Ghana. I am also particularly interested in the opportunities in the Vision Lab, as I would be able to collaborate on cutting-edge research focused on assistive technologies. This environment would allow me to apply my skills in computer vision and machine learning to develop innovative solutions that enhance accessibility.
Additionally, Heriot-Watt University stands out due to Prof. X's expertise in vision-based robotics with a focus on computational efficiency, a critical skill for developing AI in resource-limited settings like Ghana. Finally, the University of Plymouth offers an opportunity to work with Prof. Y, whose research on vision-based robotics in challenging environments aligns with my interest in developing adaptable systems for diverse conditions, from low-light to adverse weather.
The program will be challenging, but my academic and professional backgrounds have prepared me to face it. I earned a First Class bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, providing a solid foundation for further studies. My knowledge of robotics and computer vision expanded through the Robotics Summer School and the Computer Vision Summer School, where I learned the basics of computer vision. At Robotics Summer School, I programmed semi-autonomous vehicles using ROS, gaining practical experience in robotics and real-time system integration. I also explored advanced topics like 3D vision techniques and trajectory planning, enhancing my ability to develop robots that navigate complex scenarios.
I have also worked on various AI and robotics projects, including developing a deep-learning-powered assistive device for the visually impaired, which reinforced my commitment to creating accessible solutions through machine vision and adaptive AI. Additionally, I contributed to a Visual Question Answering (VQA) model that integrated translation models with a GPT-based question-answering system in Swahili.
In summary, my academic background and practical experiences have prepared me to excel in advanced study at the aforementioned universities. I am eager to apply the knowledge and skills I gain to contribute to impactful projects in robotics and computer vision, particularly in health and agriculture in Ghana.

Scholarship / Career Plan Chevening - Creating an AI innovation centre for long term [2]

Prompt - Chevening is looking for individuals who have a clear post-study career plan. Please outline your immediate plans upon returning home and your longer term career goals. You may wish to consider how these relate to what the UK government is doing in your country.

After my postgraduate studies, I plan to return to my current research lab as their work relates directly to my main goal to solve problems in Ghana using AI. Our lab has numerous project ideas and some experience in areas like gender-based violence and healthcare, yet we face hurdles due to skill gaps and limited resources. By rejoining the lab, I can leverage the skills acquired through my Master's program to help bridge these gaps, allowing us to tackle these critical issues more effectively.
I also intend to establish a capacity-building program in collaboration with the research lab. This initiative would target the shortage of skilled AI professionals, especially women, in Ghana, offering specialised training on core topics such as computer vision algorithms, robotics and AI ethics. The technical and practical expertise I gain from my studies will be fundamental in crafting a curriculum and delivering classes to empower a new generation of engineers and researchers in Ghana to drive meaningful advancements in these fields.
The UK government's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) initiatives, particularly the African Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), could provide essential support for my vision. Partnering with SGCI would open pathways for securing funding for AI and robotics projects, enabling our lab to develop impactful AI solutions in sectors like healthcare and agriculture, directly benefiting communities in Ghana.
After three years, I plan to pursue a PhD in AI, with a focus on domain shift and adaptation. This is to ensure that AI solutions I create remain relevant in diverse, often under-represented contexts, even in data-scarce environments like Ghana. My PhD research would concentrate on practical applications in Ghana, such as optimising diagnostic tools in healthcare.
My long-term goal is to establish an AI research and innovation centre in Ghana, dedicated to creating AI and robotics solutions tailored for Africa. This centre would serve as a collaborative space for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers to address unique challenges across the continent. In addition to driving technological advancements, the centre would serve as a training hub, providing skills development and job opportunities for young Ghanaians, contributing to poverty reduction and economic growth.
Furthermore, I envision collaborating with the FCDO through initiatives such as the UK-Ghana Partnership for Jobs and Economic Transformation (JET) to ensure that our AI projects are accessible to under-represented groups in STEM, including women and marginalised communities. This would involve mentorship programs specifically tailored for women in computer vision and robotics, empowering them to engage in and lead transformative projects.
The Chevening network and its global reach are valuable, as they would connect me with alumni and experts who can provide valuable insights into establishing sustainable AI initiatives in Ghana. Its emphasis on leadership development would further strengthen my ability to drive impactful projects and build partnerships with UK organisations, fostering lasting change in Ghana and beyond.