As AI continues to reshape global information systems, there is the need for ethical frameworks and media vigilance in order to safeguard truth, protect public trust, and ensure that technological advancements serve democratic values rather than undermine them,” she said.

Delivering a public lecture at the 3rd JICA Chair programme in Accra on Tuesday, Prof. Hayashi shared Japan’s nuanced experience with AI, emphasising the role of journalism in safeguarding democ­racy and truth in the digital era.

The event, co-hosted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the University of Ghana, focused on AI, jour­nalism, and Japan’s development model.

The JICA Chair platform aims to share Japan’s modernisation experience and build leadership capacity in partner countries.

This year’s focus on AI and jour­nalism reflects growing concern over the intersection of technolo­gy, truth, and governance in demo­cratic societies like Ghana.

Despite Japan’s global reputation as a high-tech leader, Prof. Hayashi revealed that the country was grap­pling with cultural and institutional resistance to AI, particularly within media and public discourse.

“Japan may be seen as a front­runner in robotics and digital innovation, but in reality, there is deep skepticism about AI’s role in shaping public life,” she said add­ing “Trust, not just technology, is key to meaningful AI integration.”

She also warned that the rapid proliferation of misinformation and “malinformation” deliberately harmful content posed real threats to democratic stability.

“In an AI-driven information age, journalism is more essential than ever, Journalists must be equipped to understand the tech­nology and ensure accurate, ethical reporting. Journalism education must incorporate technological literacy to prepare future media professionals,” she underlined.

This, Prof. Hayashi urged Ghana’s public broadcasters and media organisations to establish independent bodies to monitor AI-generated content, verify facts, and hold institutions accountable, adding that public broadcasting must lead in maintaining informa­tion integrity.”

“The path to modernisation is not only about adopting new technologies, it’s about understand­ing their impact on our values, our institutions, and our future,” she stated.

The Japan Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Hiroshi Yoshimoto, reaffirmed Japan’s unwavering commitment to strengthening aca­demic and technological collabora­tion with Ghana, especially in the context of global shifts driven by artificial intelligence (AI).

He underscored the importance of maintaining journalism’s core values while embracing technolog­ical innovation and praised Prof. Hayashi’s presence as a symbol of deepening ties between the Univer­sity of Tokyo and the University of Ghana.

The Chief Representative of JICA Ghana, Ms Suzuki Momoko, said Japan would continue to strengthen its ties with Ghana through knowledge-sharing, aca­demic collaboration, and cultural diplomacy.

“Today’s lecture reflects our joint dedication to deepening mutual understanding of Japan’s develop­ment experience, particularly in the media and technological land­scape,” she said.

Highlighting the growing Ghana-Japan academic exchange, Madam Suzuki recalled a recent collaborative event between students from the University of Tokyo and the University of Gha­na, which paved the way for greater institutional cooperation.