DIGSMART Initiative Has Been Of Value, Sees 70% Graduation Rate – URSULA

Minister of Communications and Digitalization, Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has indicated the success aspect of Government of Ghana’s intervention under the DigSMART initiative which also means Digital Smartness aim to build digital skills, culture, and leadership within both the public and private sector.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for the 2024 edition at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Center of Excellence (GI-KACE) last Monday, the Ablekuma West lawmaker said the initiative has enrolled 830 participants from all 53 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies adding that, “this remarkable growth underscores our commitment to broadening digital skills across the nation and reflects the programme’s growing recognition and importance.”

“The Scale-Up programme, spanning from February to May 2024, has combined weekly online training sessions with monthly physical sessions, providing a holistic approach to authentic transformation. For the first time, we have introduced a geographical expansion with training centers in Accra, Sunyani, and Bolgatanga, ensuring accessibility for participants across the nation. The comprehensive curriculum of the Scale-Up programme covers various aspects of digital skills essential for leadership and transformative initiatives within the government. Modules on digital strategy, leadership, governance, and cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things have been integral to this year’s training. Our targets for this year were ambitious: an 80% overall participation rate, 80% graduation rate, at least 50% female representation, and a minimum of 60% of participants applying their newfound knowledge to their work. We came close to achieving these targets- 70% participation rate, 70% graduation and 32% female representation.”

She added, “I hope we can institutionalize this digital skills training for the civil and public service and make it part of the continuing education and training for all staff of the service. We will work with your leadership to see how to make this a reality. The DigSMART initiative represents a crucial step towards a digitally advanced public sector in Ghana, ultimately enhancing service delivery to our citizens.

“Today, as we celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates, we also look forward to the future. We are confident that the skills and knowledge acquired through this programme will drive innovation, efficiency, and excellence in public service. To our graduates, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to embracing digital transformation have set you apart as leaders in our journey towards a digital future. I encourage you to continue to apply what you have learned, to inspire your colleagues, and to lead the charge in making Ghana’s public sector a beacon of digital excellence.”

A Director from the Ministry of Finance, recounted how the digital strategy module enabled her team to streamline financial reporting processes, saving valuable time and resources. A graduate from the Ministry of Education highlighted the impact of digital governance training on improving educational management systems.

The ceremony also featured a showcase of digital projects developed by the graduates, demonstrating practical applications of their training. These projects ranged from innovative public service apps to enhanced data management systems, underscoring the transformative potential of digital skills in public administration.

The Chief Director of the Office of the Head of Civil Service (OHCS), Ms Eunice Osae, challenged the graduates to translate the knowledge acquired into some digital innovations that will lead to improve service delivery.

Dr Evans Aggrey-Darko, the Head of the Civil Service, in a speech read on his behalf, said the training programme showed the commitment and readiness of Civil Service staff to embrace the digital age in transforming their duties.

He urged the civil servants to keep studying global precedents to enhance their services.

Dr Aggrey-Darko said studying global precedents, learning their models, and applying them in Ghana could improve service delivery in the Ghana Civil Service and Public Services.

The DigSMART initiative, is spearheaded by the GhanaCARES Delivery Unit of the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, the Office of the Head of Civil Service, and in partnership with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI).