Reverend William Akyea Asiedu, Head of Chaplaincy and Lecturer at the Pantang Nursing and Midwifery Training College (NMTC), has called on the Minister of Health and other education stakeholders to prioritize investment in modern IT infrastructure across health training institutions nationwide.
Delivering the keynote address at the 19th Matriculation Ceremony of the College, Rev. Asiedu emphasized that rapid technological advancement has made the world more interconnected than ever.
He noted that regardless of one’s background, technology now provides limitless opportunities for personal and professional development, fundamentally transforming how people live, study, and work.
Rev. Asiedu highlighted that although Ghana continues to face challenges in midwifery education, digital tools are helping bridge critical gaps.
“We are living in a digital world where classrooms are no longer limited to four walls,” he stated. “With technology, learning can take place anywhere.
Access to lectures is no longer confined to physical spaces.
He stressed that technology has permeated every aspect of modern life, from education to healthcare and beyond.
While expressing hope that it does not intrude excessively into private spaces, he acknowledged its undeniable influence. According to him, technology empowers individuals and enables faster delivery of results that previously required extensive time and effort.
Turning his focus to artificial intelligence (AI), Rev. Asiedu described it as one of the most transformative innovations of the era.
Although AI has existed for decades, he noted that many people are only now recognizing the extent of its everyday applications. “Even a microwave uses AI — it prepares food based on the time we input,” he said.
Despite its advantages, he warned that AI can be misused to generate misleading or harmful content. He therefore urged students to apply AI responsibly to enhance their learning.
“If you struggle to understand a concept taught in class, technology allows you to study further from the comfort of your home,” he advised.
Rev. Asiedu also acknowledged persistent challenges in Ghana’s digital landscape, including unstable electricity and rising internet costs.
Pointing to Rwanda’s progress in providing free public internet, he argued that Ghana must accelerate efforts to remain competitive globally. “When we travel to Europe or the Americas, we want to be regarded as equals,” he remarked.
Using Fisher Intelligence as an example, he demonstrated how AI is already transforming healthcare education in Ghana through automated assessments, enhanced learning experiences, and improved clinical simulations. He encouraged students to complement classroom instruction with AI-assisted research to deepen their understanding.
However, he cautioned that technology cannot replace essential human skills. “AI cannot replace critical thinking and analysis. Patients will want real human beings providing care, not robots,” he stressed.
Rev. Asiedu concluded by reminding students that healthcare systems are becoming increasingly digitalized.
With electronic health records now standard in major facilities such as Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the Military Hospital, and several private institutions, he underscored the importance of mastering basic digital competencies.
“If you do not learn these skills now, you may struggle when you enter the healthcare field,” he warned.
By Sampson Kumah Ifeetwube Elvis
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