The Answer is now obvious- Dr. Bawumia defends digitalization focus

At the launch of the CitizenApp on October 7, 2024, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia addressed critics who have questioned his focus on digitalization despite being an economist.

He emphasized that the importance of digitalization in modern economic strategies is now more apparent than ever, and he no longer feels the need to defend his stance to skeptics.

“Indeed, many people have even questioned why an Economist Vice President would often become the forebearer of the various digitalization efforts of the Government of Ghana. I am grateful that I don’t have to answer the cynics anymore, because the answer is becoming more and more obvious every day,” Bawumia stated.

He explained that the world is entering the fourth industrial revolution, where digitalization has become a critical component in the development of every economy. In key sectors such as public administration, trade, education, financial inclusion, and healthcare, Bawumia noted that Ghana’s slow adaptation of digital systems had previously resulted in inefficiencies, errors, and widespread petty corruption.

Using vehicle registration as an example, he highlighted how manual processes forced citizens to visit multiple offices to complete registrations, a method that wasted time and created opportunities for bribery. Bawumia noted that businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), encountered similar challenges when trying to register their operations, obtain licenses, or access financial services.

“These delays in service delivery not only hurt economic productivity but also create space for inefficiencies and, in some cases, widespread petty corruption,” Bawumia explained. He also pointed out that rural and underserved communities often suffer the most under this analogue system, as limited services are usually concentrated in urban areas.

According to Bawumia, the digitalization agenda is key to bridging the gap between urban and rural service delivery, increasing transparency, and enhancing productivity in Ghana. The CitizenApp, launched as part of this vision, is a step toward ensuring that digital solutions become a vital part of everyday governance and economic activities in the country.

Bawumia’s push for digitalization continues to reflect his belief that no economic strategy can succeed in the modern world without a strong digital foundation.

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