Accra: The African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP) has concluded its Triennial Continental Congress in Accra with a strong appeal for ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in journalism. The gathering, held from August 10 to 17 at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, brought together more than one hundred Catholic journalists, educators, content creators, and media practitioners from over twenty countries, including representatives of nineteen African nations.
The week-long congress, held under the theme “Balancing Technological Progress and the Preservation of Human Values in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” served as a forum for deep reflection on the promises and risks of AI. While acknowledging the remarkable speed and efficiency of emerging technologies, the participants emphasized that human dignity and truth must remain at the heart of journalism. They resolved that Catholic journalists in Africa should uphold integrity, resist disinformation, and nurture authentic human relationships even in a digital culture shaped by algorithms and artificial systems.
In their resolutions, UCAP members committed themselves to developing ethical guidelines for the use of AI in media, promoting digital literacy rooted in Catholic social teaching, and strengthening collaborations with Episcopal Conferences, universities, policymakers, and civil society groups. A key outcome of the gathering was the decision to draft a continental charter on “AI and Ethical Journalism,” which will serve as a reference point for Catholic communicators across Africa.
The participants also addressed governments, urging them to regulate AI to safeguard privacy, prevent manipulation, and curb the spread of disinformation. At the same time, they appealed to media organizations to ensure that AI does not replace human judgment and responsibility. Catholic media professionals, they said, must remain steadfast as “missionaries of peace and reconciliation,” ensuring that their work builds trust, protects dignity, and speaks truth with compassion.
The reflections of Church leaders framed the discussions in a deeply spiritual light. Archbishop Julien Kaboré, Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, reminded participants that while AI dazzles with innovation, it is the human heart open to God, truth, and love that ultimately gives direction. Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, stressed that the media is not merely a technical tool but a moral reality, entrusted with the sacred duty of safeguarding human dignity.
As the Congress drew to a close, UCAP expressed gratitude to the bishops, experts, and organizers who contributed to the dialogue. The final statement affirmed that Catholic media in Africa must remain a beacon of light in an uncertain digital era, balancing technological progress with the timeless values of the Gospel. By doing so, Catholic journalists will continue their mission as artisans of peace, reconciliation, and truth for the people they serve.