The government over the past 7 years has laid the footing for the creation of businesses, jobs and opportunities for Ghanaian youth through the Digitalisation initiatives, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia said on Monday.
The implementation of the digitisation agenda has seen over 18 million Ghanaian residents issued Ghana Cards, the National Digital Property Address System, Mobile Money Interoperability, integration of the databases of the Births and Deaths Registry, Ghana Health Service and the National Identification Authority and the soon to roll out of a Credit Scoring system.
These, according to Dr Bawumia, have been established for Ghanaian youth to fully participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Dr Bawumia, at the 2024 edition of the International Youth Day held at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh, said the government is committed to expanding digital infrastructure, and promoting digital literacy while creating jobs for the youth of Ghana.
“As leaders, it is our responsibility to empower, support and amplify your voices by creating opportunities for participation, providing access to education and resources and promoting an environment where our gallant youth can thrive.
“Our government has been dedicated to these efforts over the past seven years, through various digitalisation initiatives that are yielding positive results in every aspect of our socio-economic lives.”
The Vice President said since 2017, the government has focused on transforming Ghana into a digital powerhouse, with a strong emphasis on economic growth, transparency and inclusivity.
Key among the initiatives are the National Identification System (Ghana Card) and the National Digital Property Address System (Ghana Post GPS). These innovations have simplified access to public services and economic participation.
“The Ghana Card now covers all citizens, including newborns, streamlining the provision of essential services such as health and education, and digitalised public services like passport and driver’s license applications through efficient online platforms.
This advancement, Dr Bawumia said, not only improves accessibility for the tech-savvy population but also enhances transparency, reduces delays and ensures effective revenue collection.
“These efforts collectively support Ghana’s transition to a more digitally integrated and economically resilient society,” he pointed out.
To bridge the gaps in digital literacy and opportunities for learning and growth, Dr Bawumia said the government had provided the necessary logistics to schools, including the provision of free Wi-Fi in Senior High Schools and tertiary institutions.
Amid challenges such as inequality, climate change and social injustice. Dr Bawumia said he remains optimistic, adding: “Our youth in Ghana have shown remarkable enthusiasm for digital technologies, using them for entrepreneurship and innovation.”
He said that distributing 1.3 million free computer tablets to Senior High School students, providing free Wi-Fi in schools and expanding telephony services under the Ghana Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project, are all steps toward a more connected and digitally inclusive future, especially for our youth.
“By prioritising education and connectivity, we are laying the groundwork for a brighter, digitally-driven future for our nation. In the immediate future, from under my government, from January 2025, by the grace of God, we plan to train 1 million youth to create a digital workforce of one million people.
“This digitally trained young people will revolutionise key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and finance, and the opportunities available will be global.
“Our goal is to enable the Ghanaian youth to conduct business and collaborate remotely, both locally and globally, enhancing connectivity and economic growth.”
Rex Mainoo Yeboah, ISD
