By Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Ghana’s former Vice President, recently delivered a keynote speech at Harvard University, highlighting Ghana’s remarkable digital progress and its impact on economic transformation. Speaking on the theme “Africa Beyond Borders: A Myth or a Mandate for Africa’s Progress,” Dr. Bawumia emphasized the importance of embracing technology to drive growth and development in Africa.
He noted that Ghana has made significant strides in digitalization, particularly in the last eight years, with a focus on leveraging technology to solve everyday problems and improve service delivery. Some of the notable digital milestones he mentioned include:
- Digital Identity: The issuance of Ghana Cards to 85% of the adult population, providing a secure and reliable method of identification.
- Digital Address System: The implementation of a national digital property addressing system, making it easier for citizens to identify their location and access services.
- Mobile Money Interoperability: The introduction of a system that allows seamless transfer of funds between different mobile money platforms, increasing financial inclusion and making Ghana one of the fastest-growing mobile money markets in Africa.
- E-Procurement System: The implementation of an online platform that streamlines the procurement process, minimizing corruption and increasing transparency.
- Medical Drone Delivery System: The launch of a world-renowned medical drone delivery service, improving access to healthcare in remote areas.
Dr. Bawumia stressed that these digital initiatives have not only transformed Ghana’s economy but also created job opportunities and boosted businesses. He urged African leaders to embrace digital technology to unlock the continent’s vast potential and create a brighter future for its youth.
