President Mahama warned of the double-edged nature of digital media and artificial intelligence. 

While acknowledging their potential to improve productivity and storytelling, he cautioned that they could also spread disinformation and undermine trust. 

He called for ethical adoption of AI in Africa to support inclusive development.

He was speaking at the IPR Ghana and Africa Public Relations Association Knowledge Sharing Conference in Accra.

President John Dramani Mahama underscored the critical role of effective communication in national development, urging professionals to strengthen strategies that promote transparency, community ownership, and international collaboration.

On the pressing issue of illegal mining (galamsey), the president admitted that while enforcement measures such as arrests and equipment seizures had seen some progress, communication remained the missing link.

He announced the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme to restore degraded lands, support legal mining, and provide alternative livelihoods.

“We must go beyond enforcement. Without communication, mobilisation, and community ownership, enforcement cannot succeed,” he stressed, adding that government will hold nationwide dialogues with civil society, traditional leaders, and faith-based groups.