Kwasi Atuahene, Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Digital Transformation (ACDT), is advocating for the Ghanaian government to maintain digital contracts within the public sector, emphasizing that this approach will enhance revenue generation and foster development in key growth areas.
Speaking on ABC IN THE MORNING on Tuesday, 8th October 2024, Atuahene expressed concern over the frequent allocation of contracts for brilliant digital ideas to private entities.
He believes that such practices undermine potential state revenues and diminish the impact of innovations on national development.
“Every now and then, government is awarding contract of brilliant ideas of this kind to personal institutions,” he noted, underscoring the need for proper advocacy to ensure that innovations are retained within the public domain.
He cited successful global applications like Uber and Facebook, which is capable of generating huge revenues for government.
“Ideally this app must sit at the Ministry of Communications and Digitization or any of its agencies,” he stated, insisting that digital initiatives should be executed as government infrastructure rather than handed off to third parties.
In light of recent advancements, Atuahene urged the Ghana Police Service to utilize the newly ‘CitizenApp’ launched on October 7, 2024, at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel, to enhance crime control efforts nationwide.
He highlighted its potential, asserting that if properly developed, the app could empower citizens to report crimes effectively.
“It is an application that the Ghana Police can take advantage of,” he remarked, envisioning a future where citizens are actively involved in maintaining safety through technological solutions.
Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, stressed its importance for the nation’s economic independence, while Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam elaborated on its transformative impact on tax administration.
The app seeks to streamline various government services, providing a one-stop platform for citizens to file taxes, apply for passports, renew drivers’ licenses, and pay utility bills.
