Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has reaffirmed the pivotal role of digitalisation in Ghana’s economic strategy, as part of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s vision for the country’s future. During the launch of the CitizenApp on Monday, October 7, 2024, Dr Bawumia emphasized that the government is fully committed to harnessing the power of digital innovation to drive national development.
In his address, Dr Bawumia highlighted the significance of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, noting that digital advancements are rapidly transforming economies around the world. He stressed that Ghana cannot afford to lag behind in this global shift and must seize the opportunities presented by digital technology. The Vice President pointed out that previous industrial revolutions were missed by many African nations, including Ghana, and stressed that the Fourth Industrial Revolution must not follow the same pattern for the country.
“Under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, we have made digitisation a central pillar of our economic strategy,” Dr Bawumia stated. He continued, “The fourth industrial revolution is already happening, and it is reshaping global landscapes. As a country, we must not miss this revolution, as we missed the previous three that propelled other nations into developed economies.”
The CitizenApp, which Dr Bawumia launched at the event, is designed to serve as a user-friendly, all-in-one platform for accessing various government services. The app will enable citizens to report issues, stay informed on public matters, and receive real-time updates from government institutions. This innovation is expected to enhance the ease and efficiency of interacting with state agencies, reducing delays and increasing transparency.
Dr Bawumia described the CitizenApp as a personalized tool that will simplify communication between the public and the government. The app is expected to make processes more efficient and strengthen engagement with state institutions, ultimately contributing to the broader digitalisation agenda.
“There is mounting empirical evidence that highlights the transformative potential of digital innovation to create jobs, boost productivity, increase income levels, and foster wealth creation,” Dr Bawumia added. He pointed out that the government has been working tirelessly to ensure that digitalisation becomes a key driver of economic growth in Ghana. By leveraging technological advancements, the country can create opportunities for its citizens and improve overall productivity.
The launch of the CitizenApp marks another step forward in the government’s broader digitalisation efforts, which have included initiatives such as the National Identification Card system (Ghana Card), the Digital Address System, and the Mobile Money Interoperability platform. These projects are all part of a long-term plan to modernize Ghana’s economy and improve the efficiency of public services.
Dr Bawumia’s emphasis on digitalisation as a tool for job creation and wealth generation underscores the government’s focus on leveraging technology to address some of the country’s most pressing economic challenges. With unemployment rates still a concern and the need for increased productivity, digital innovation offers a pathway to a more prosperous future for Ghana.
The CitizenApp is expected to make a significant impact on how citizens interact with government services. By providing a centralized platform for accessing information and submitting reports, the app will help bridge the gap between the public and the state, promoting greater transparency and accountability. As more citizens adopt the platform, the government expects that the increased flow of information will lead to better service delivery and a more responsive government.
Furthermore, the app will serve as a crucial tool for ensuring that all Ghanaians, regardless of their location, have access to essential services. By integrating government services into a single digital platform, the CitizenApp aims to remove barriers that have traditionally slowed down public service delivery, such as bureaucratic red tape and geographical limitations.
The launch of the CitizenApp is part of a broader strategy to digitalize all aspects of Ghana’s economy, from financial transactions to public services. Dr Bawumia has been a vocal advocate of these efforts, often citing the importance of modernizing the country’s systems to keep pace with global trends. He has consistently called for the private sector to join the government in embracing digital innovation, noting that the Fourth Industrial Revolution presents unprecedented opportunities for both sectors to collaborate for national development.
In conclusion, the CitizenApp represents a major milestone in the government’s quest to create a digitally-driven economy. As Dr Bawumia reiterated during the launch, digitalisation is not just a passing trend but a fundamental shift that will define the future of economies worldwide. Ghana’s decision to prioritize this shift positions the country to benefit from the transformative potential of technology, creating new opportunities for its citizens and laying the foundation for sustained economic growth. The government’s ongoing efforts to embrace digitalisation, led by the leadership of President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia, will likely continue to shape Ghana’s economic strategy in the years to come.
