OPINION: Ghana’s digital transformation – pioneering achievements of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and why he must lead the nation

Since taking office in 2017, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the vice-president of Ghana and current presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has championed a transformative digital agenda that has significantly advanced the nation’s socio-economic development.

Initiatives by Dr Bawumia have modernised various sectors, driving economic growth and establishing Ghana as a leader in digital innovation in Africa.

Below is an in-depth exploration of Dr Bawumia’s key achievements and how these digital tools serve as the pivot for Ghana’s economic emancipation.

The Ghana Card: foundation for economic efficiency

The implementation of the Ghana Card under the leadership of Mahamudu Bawumia stands as a cornerstone of Ghana’s digital transformation. This biometric national identification card integrates various identity documents into one, providing a single source of truth for identity verification.

The Ghana Card is essential for accessing services across banking, health care and social services, thereby reducing fraud, enhancing security and improving service delivery efficiency.

By streamlining identification processes, the Ghana Card has created a more reliable and inclusive financial ecosystem, fostering economic growth and stability.

Mobile money interoperability: financial inclusion + economic growth

Dr Bawumia’s vision of a cash-light economy materialised through the Mobile Money Interoperability initiative. This innovation allows seamless transactions across different mobile networks and between mobile wallets and bank accounts, greatly expanding financial services to underserved populations.

By enhancing financial inclusion, the initiative has spurred entrepreneurial activities, increased savings, and facilitated smoother business operations. The rise in digital financial transactions has not only boosted economic activities but also improved government revenue through better tracking and taxation.

Paperless Ports: enhancing trade efficiency

The Paperless Ports initiative, another flagship project of Dr Bawumia, has revolutionised trade operations in Ghana. By digitising port processes, the initiative has reduced clearance times from weeks to hours, curbing corruption and enhancing transparency.

This efficiency has attracted more business to Ghana’s ports, increased trade volumes and boosted customs revenue.

The improved logistics and reduced operational costs have made Ghana a more attractive destination for international trade, fostering economic growth.

Medical drones: revolutionising health-care delivery

The introduction of medical drone services, in partnership with Zipline, is a testament to Dr Bawumia’s innovative approach to solving critical health-care challenges.

These drones deliver essential medical supplies, such as blood and vaccines, to remote and hard-to-reach areas within minutes.

This service has significantly improved health-care delivery, reduced mortality rates, and enhanced the overall efficiency of the healthcare system. A healthier population translates to a more productive workforce, driving economic development.

Streamlining delivery of government services

Dr Bawumia has significantly streamlined government services through various digital initiatives. The e-justice system, digital property registration, and the National Digital Property Addressing System have reduced bureaucratic delays, increased transparency, and improved service delivery.

Citizens now have easier and faster access to government services, enhancing their trust in public institutions.

Efficient public service delivery supports economic activities by reducing transaction times and costs, contributing to a more robust economy.

Championing an integrated digital economy: a vision for the future

At the heart of Dr Bawumia’s agenda is the creation of an integrated digital economy. His efforts have focused on developing a cohesive ecosystem where digital platforms interconnect to provide seamless services.

The Universal QR Code initiative, enabling cashless transactions across various platforms and vendors, exemplifies this vision. Such integration facilitates business operations, reduces cash handling costs and improves transaction security.

An integrated digital economy enhances economic efficiency, attracts investment and positions Ghana as a competitive player in the global market.

Economic emancipation through digital innovation

Dr Bawumia’s digital initiatives are more than technological advancements; they are pivotal tools for Ghana’s economic emancipation.

By leveraging technology, these initiatives have improved financial inclusion, enhanced trade efficiency, revolutionised health care, streamlined government services and fostered an integrated economy.

These changes have collectively spurred economic growth, increased government revenue and created a more transparent and efficient public sector. The success of these digital transformations has positioned Ghana as a shining star of Africa, setting a benchmark for other nations.

The vice-president’s forward-thinking leadership has ensured that Ghana not only keeps pace with global technological trends but also harnesses them to drive sustainable economic development.

As Ghana continues on this path of digital innovation, it stands poised to achieve greater economic emancipation and prosperity.

John Bart Addo

The writer is the secretary of the Columbus, Ohio chapter of the New Patriotic Party in the United States (NPP-USA)