Story by: Paul Mensah Nsor
Accra, Ghana - The Beyond AI movement, an initiative aimed at demystifying artificial intelligence and reframing public debate around data, held its latest public session in Accra today 28 February 2026. The event, titled "Data is the New Gold , But who is Galamsey-ing it?" brought together experts and community members to discuss how data generated by everyday social media use is monetized by global platforms while contributing little back to local users.
Kambale Musavuli, founder of Beyond AI, emphasized that many citizens are unaware that their online activity is being extracted and commercialized. "AI as a technology isn't the most important thing — the data the models use is," Musavuli said, stressing the need for stronger legal protections.
Kofi Amponsah-Okyere, a senior technology consultant, highlighted the stark imbalance in data economics, noting that Africa generates roughly 21% of global data flows but receives only 1-2% of the economic value derived from that data. "We often sign up for 'free' services and effectively become the product," he said, urging citizens to treat their data as an asset and scrutinize app permissions and privacy practices.
Princess Yanney, panel host and moderator, framed the event as a rare public space where "real, genuine concerns" could be aired and addressed. "We need to know... What do you use our data for? How does it come back to us in a good way?" she asked, amplifying the call for greater transparency and accountability.
The session highlighted stark regulatory gaps in Ghana's Data Protection Act and cybersecurity regulations, which were described as outdated and ill-equipped to address AI-driven data extraction and advanced digital harms. Musavuli called for Ghanaian policymakers to consider treating data as a protected resource with legal frameworks to match, citing China's approach as an example.
Concerns were also raised about the influence of industry consultants and law firms in the legislative process. Organizers urged greater public participation in parliamentary consultations, warning that without informed civic input, lawmakers may rely on private-sector advisors whose interests may not align with those of Ghanaian citizens.
Speakers emphasized a two-pronged approach: legislative reform to ensure fair value-sharing and enforce ethical data processing, and grassroots action to strengthen personal and organizational data hygiene. Recommendations from the workshop included drafting legislative proposals tailored to African contexts, producing public guidance on app permissions and data stewardship, and creating tools for individuals and organizations to catalog and control the data they hold.
The Beyond AI initiative plans to continue its public engagement model, running monthly events and building toward a larger conference scheduled for August 14. The campaign's goals include raising public awareness about the value of personal data, informing and mobilizing communities about upcoming parliamentary debates, and collecting citizen perspectives to feed into policy discussions.
