By Emelia B. Addae
Koforidua, July 25, GNA – 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 said the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in content creation made it imperative for users to critically assess images and other visual materials before using them for official or public purposes.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Koforidua, Dr Yamson stressed the need for the ethical and responsible use of visual content, including obtaining consent from individuals whose images are published.
He advised users to ensure that photographs and other visuals were obtained from credible and reliable sources to safeguard accuracy and maintain public trust.
“Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that helps people execute their work more efficiently. However, information and visuals generated through AI must always be verified before they are used for any official or public purpose,” he said.
Dr Yamson said visual communication had become increasingly important in journalism and public engagement because images often conveyed messages more effectively than text alone.
“Visual communication is essential for journalists when publishing or disseminating information to a mass audience. A picture often communicates more effectively than text because it reaches a broader audience, including people with low literacy levels,” he said.
He said visuals could simplify complex issues and make information more accessible, particularly in sustainability and development communication.
“If you want to practise sustainability journalism or sustainability communication effectively, it is important to complement your stories with appropriate visuals,” he said.
“Many people who may not be able to read lengthy texts can still understand the message conveyed through carefully selected images.”
Dr Yamson observed that rapid advances in digital technology were transforming the way information was produced and consumed, with communication increasingly supported by emerging technologies, including AI.
He, however, cautioned that technology should complement professional judgement rather than replace it, especially in matters relating to 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 underscored the importance of developing skills in prompt writing, describing it as essential for obtaining quality outputs from AI systems.
“Mastering the art of prompt writing is essential because a good prompt produces better results and ultimately leads to better stories,” he added.
GNA
Editing by D. I. Laary/Audrey Dekalu
Reporter: Emelia B. Addae
Email: [email protected]