ACCRA, July 8, 2026
Story By: Christopher Adjei Boateng (Journalist / AEMF 2026/27 Fellow)
As technology rapidly redefines information sharing, Dr. Jefferson S. Seneadza, a specialist in Information Systems and AI, has challenged Ghanaian journalists to move beyond basic tool usage and instead master the “art of asking better questions” to ensure their work remains ethical and effective.
In his comprehensive session titled “Prompt Engineering for Journalists,” Dr. Seneadza taught the 2026/27 AEMF cohort that while Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a transformative force, it functions best as a “digital writing collaborator” that requires precise human guidance to produce quality results. Bringing significant expertise to the field, Dr. Seneadza holds a Bachelor’s in Computer & Network Security and a Master’s in Digital Forensics from Edith Cowan University, Australia. He currently holds a PhD in Information System at the University of Ghana Business School and serves as the CEO of Ayatickets and aftownmusic.
Understanding the “Layers” of the Digital Newsroom
To help journalists understand the complex landscape of AI, Dr. Seneadza used a newsroom analogy to describe the different layers of technology. He explained that AI is the entire newsroom system, managing every intelligent function from writing tools to decision-making. Machine Learning (ML) acts like the team of journalists, learning from past data and reader reactions to make smarter future decisions, while Deep Learning represents the experienced editor who spots subtle connections and deep patterns others might miss. He further explained that Generative AI (Gen AI) is the creative department, which moves beyond data analysis to create entirely new content, such as story drafts, graphics, or scripts, whereas Large Language Models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, are the “language experts” specializing in producing natural human responses across various topics.
Mastering the CICO Framework
The highlight of the lecture was the introduction of Prompt Engineering, which Dr. Seneadza defined as the skill of writing clear, purposeful instructions to guide AI systems. He provided a simple mantra for the fellows: “If you ask better, you get better answers”.
To achieve this, he introduced the four-part “CICO” Framework. He explained that Context & Background involves defining the user’s role and environment, such as, “You are a newsroom editor for a national daily in Ghana.” Instructions require specifying the exact task, such as analyzing AI’s impact on African investigative journalism. Constraints & Details focus on setting limits on tone, length, and ethics, including requiring the use of verified sources and remaining objective. Finally, Desired Output defines the expected format, such as producing a 500-word feature with subheadings.
Avoiding Pitfalls and Prioritizing Ethics
Dr. Seneadza warned journalists about common prompt mistakes, such as being too vague (e.g., “Write about the economy”) or overloading a single prompt with too many complex tasks. He emphasized that prompting is iterative, requiring a “Re-Prompt Loop” where the journalist reviews the output and refines the instructions until the result is right.
Crucially, the session underscored that human oversight is non-negotiable. Journalists were urged to maintain editorial control, disclose AI use when appropriate, and always verify AI-generated claims against reliable sources before publication. “AI works with journalists, not instead of them,” the lecture slides stated, reminding the cohort that technology must never replace human editorial judgment.
The session concluded with a call for the fellows to lead the charge in ethical, smarter, and faster storytelling, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and public trust in the digital age.
Story By: Christopher Adjei Boateng (Journalist / AEMF 2026/27 Fellow)