Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President, has explained that government is committed to digitizing the Ghanaian economy. He insisted that ‘the benefits of such an agenda is in the country’s best interests’.
According to him, old methods of doing business transactions without the use of technology are inefficient.
On Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at Ashesi University public lecture titled “Transforming an economy through digitalization: The Ghana tale,” Vice President stated that closing the digital divide will remain a goal for the Akufo-Addo government.
“This [analogue] system frustrates, other than helping ordinary people. Why is it that after 60 years of independence of this country, the system remained basically the same or in some cases worsened? The goal upon assumption of office was to quickly transform our economy by leveraging on the technology advancement as means to leapfrog the advancement and developmental process that comes with the legacy problems of both economic and public sector governance. This is why digitalization has been a major focus of the Nana Addo government”, Dr. Bawumia said.
He went on to say that challenging the existing quo has been misinterpreted as a divergence from the government’s core goal of reviving Ghana’s ailing economy.
According to the Vice President, digitizing the economy will have a more positive outcome.
This, he believes, will position the country to be globally competitive in the emerging digital revolution as follows:
- A system based on integrated (centralized) data
- A system with unique identification numbers for the population
- A system with addresses for all properties and locations
- A system that is transparent, and promotes accountability, discipline and trustworthiness.
- A system that is inclusive.
- A system that minimizes corruption in the delivery of public services
- A system where the operations of government institutions are digitized for efficient service delivery
- A system that is formalizing the informal sector
- A system that is reducing the cash dominance in economic transactions
- A system that has broadened the tax base and built the vehicle for domestic revenue mobilization
- A system where the credit reference agencies will be effective
- A system that supports law enforcement
- A system where healthcare is accessible to people in remote areas.
This system will redefine the way we do business in Ghana. It will create more credibility and reduce risk. It will have a 360 benefit for the people of Ghana, Government and international partners. The system will ensure ‘smooth’ road to socio-economic development of Ghana. He concluded, by emphasis that Digitizing the Ghanaian economy is crucial for our economic growth’
Story by Alim Bilal
