Bawumia champions digital innovation with CitizenApp launch and answers questions on impact of digitalisation.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has officially launched the CitizenApp, a groundbreaking mobile application aimed at transforming public service delivery and citizen engagement in Ghana. The launch took place in Accra and attracted top government officials, leaders from the tech industry, and members of the public.
The CitizenApp provides a centralized platform where Ghanaians can access various government services, report issues, and receive timely updates on public matters. The app is designed to improve efficiency by streamlining interactions between citizens and government agencies, promoting greater transparency and accountability in public administration.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Bawumia highlighted the app’s potential to reduce bureaucracy and simplify government processes. “What Ghana has achieved with this app surpasses what many advanced nations have done. We are moving in a direction with enormous potential… Once fully implemented, conducting business in Ghana, paying taxes, obtaining passports, and registering businesses will be seamless,” he said.
He also expressed enthusiasm about the app’s role in facilitating better communication between the government and its citizens, describing it as a significant milestone in the country’s digitalization efforts.
The Vice President used the occasion to address critiques regarding his focus on digitalization instead of economic issues. As an economist, Dr. Bawumia noted that some had questioned why he prioritized the digital sector over economic matters. However, he emphasized that the results of the digitalization drive are now clear, and the value of these efforts is becoming increasingly apparent.
“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,” he remarked.
Dr. Bawumia further explained that digitalization is essential for economic growth, particularly as the world enters the fourth industrial revolution. He pointed out that without a strong digital foundation, it would be difficult for Ghana to advance its economic agenda.
“As the world enters the fourth industrial revolution, it has become obvious that no economic strategy can succeed without a strong digital foundation. In key areas such as public administration, trade, education, financial inclusion, and healthcare, the absence of digital systems meant that processes were slow, non-transparent, and prone to errors,” he said, citing vehicle registration as an example where digitization could streamline traditionally manual procedures.
The CitizenApp is expected to play a critical role in bridging the gap between the government and the citizens, offering a personalized tool for improved public service and governance.
