Koforidua: Dr George Clifford Yamson, Head of Library at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), has urged journalists, communicators, and the public to verify the authenticity and sources of visual materials before publication to prevent misinformation and misrepresentation in the digital age. He emphasized the importance of this practice during an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), highlighting the critical need for ethical and responsible use of visual content.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Yamson cautioned that the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in content creation has made it imperative for users to critically assess images and other visual materials before using them for official or public purposes. He stressed the necessity of obtaining consent from individuals whose images are published to ensure ethical standards are upheld.
Dr Yamson advised users to ensure that photographs and other visuals are obtained from credible and reliable sources to safeguard accuracy and maintain public trust. He noted that while AI is a powerful tool for enhancing productivity, information and visuals generated through AI must always be verified before they are used for any official or public purpose.
He further explained that visual communication has become increasingly important in journalism and public engagement because images often convey messages more effectively than text alone. Visuals can simplify complex issues and make information more accessible, particularly in the fields of sustainability and development communication.
Dr Yamson remarked that rapid advances in digital technology are transforming how information is produced and consumed, with communication increasingly supported by emerging technologies like AI. However, he advised that technology should complement professional judgment rather than replace it, especially concerning accuracy, ethics, and accountability.
The librarian encouraged journalists and communication professionals to embrace AI as a tool for improving productivity and enhancing storytelling while maintaining rigorous verification standards. He also stressed the importance of developing skills in prompt writing, describing it as essential for obtaining quality outputs from AI systems.