Reverend William Akyea Asiedu, Head of Chaplaincy and Lecturer at the Pantang Nursing and Midwifery College, has emphasized that technological advancement has made the world more interconnected than ever.
Delivering the keynote address at the 19th Matriculation Ceremony, he noted that regardless of one’s background, technology now offers countless opportunities to pursue personal and professional aspirations, fundamentally transforming the way we live and work.
Rev. Asiedu observed that although Ghana faces a shortage in midwifery education, digital tools are helping bridge the gap. “We are living in a digital world where classrooms are no longer limited to four walls.
With technology, learning can take place anywhere. Access to lectures is no longer confined to physical spaces. My colleagues, invited guests, and I also rely on these same tools,” he said.
He stressed that technology has permeated every aspect of life — from education to healthcare and beyond. While he hoped it would not intrude too deeply into personal spaces, he acknowledged its undeniable presence.
Technology empowers us and allows us to showcase our abilities. What once took years to accomplish can now be done in days, minutes, or even hours.”
Highlighting artificial intelligence (AI) as one of the most significant modern advancements, he explained that although AI has been around for decades, many people have only recently become aware of its widespread use.
“Even the microwave at home uses AI — it prepares food based on the time we input,” he noted.
Rev. Asiedu cautioned, however, that despite its benefits, AI can be misused. “Sometimes people use it to create misleading or harmful content. We must reflect on how we use technology.”
Addressing students directly, he encouraged them to use AI responsibly to enhance their studies. “If you struggle to understand a concept taught in class, technology allows you to study further from the comfort of your home.”
He also pointed out ongoing challenges in Ghana’s digital landscape, including power fluctuations and increasingly expensive internet access.
By comparing Ghana to Rwanda—which has made significant progress in providing free public internet—he stressed the need for improvement.
Rev. Asiedu therefore appealed to the Minister of Health and education leaders to invest in modern IT tools to improve teaching and learning. “We need to ensure we are on par with the rest of the world.
When we travel to Europe or the Americas, we want to be regarded as equals,” he said.
Using Fisher Intelligence as an example, he illustrated how AI is already transforming healthcare education in Ghana through automated assessments, enhanced learning experiences, and improved clinical simulations.
He advised students to complement classroom instruction with AI-assisted research to deepen their understanding.
However, he warned that technology can never replace essential human skills.
“AI cannot replace critical thinking and analysis. You must actively engage with your studies. Patients will want real human beings providing care, not robots.”
Rev. Asiedu concluded by urging students to prepare for a future where healthcare systems are increasingly digitalized.
With electronic health records now standard in hospitals such as Korle Bu, the Military Hospital, and several private facilities, he stressed that familiarity with basic digital systems is no longer optional.
“If you do not learn these skills now, you may struggle when you enter the healthcare field,” he cautioned.
By Sampson Kumah Ifeetwube Elvis
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