GIZ 19-member delegation understudy Ministry of Communications

A 19-Member delegation from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ Ghana) and German Development Cooperation last week paid a working visit to the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation (MOCD) to understudy its operations, objectives, flagship initiatives and to also explore possible areas of cooperation and collaboration.

The meeting also presented the opportunity for the partners to gain insights and knowledge about the various aspects of digital transformation and innovation in Ghana with special regards to the implementation of digital strategies and to understand the transformation components and how it has been realized at the policy level.

The Director for Information Technology (IT) at MOCD, Mr. Joseph Tetteh, who welcomed the visiting team on behalf of the Chief Director, Mr. Alexander Yaw Arphul, said the government and various stakeholders had in recent years promoted the use of technology to drive economic growth, improve governance which has had a positive impact and enhanced the overall quality of life for the citizenry.

He noted that one of the key areas of focus in Ghana’s digital transformation was the development of infrastructure.

“The government has invested heavily in broadband connectivity, making it more accessible for both urban and rural areas. This has played a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and providing opportunities for digital inclusion”, he reiterated.

Making a presentation on the various objectives and initiatives of the Ministry, the Head of Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PPME), Mr. Emmanuel Ofori, mentioned that among some of the policy initiatives the government had implemented to spur innovation and entrepreneurship were;

1. a) Ghana Innovation Hub – It has created an ecosystem that fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing and support for start-ups as well as tech-driven initiatives.
2. b) E- Government Services – this has enabled the government to digitise several key services, making them more accessible and efficient for citizens. These include tax payment, business registration, and public sector procurement.

Mr Ofori added that as a result of the deliberate efforts the ministry had put in place to advance the country’s digital economy, the rise of fintech and mobile money platforms had revolutionaries financial services in the country.

“Mobile mobile has become a widespread mode of payment, allowing individuals to access banking services and conduct financial transactions easily. This has opened up financial inclusion for many Ghanaians who previously unbanked”, he emphasized.

He stressed that, the Sector Minister Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful (MP) was very passionate and committed to addressing the digital gaps across the country, hence, she has implemented various initiatives including the flagship Girls-In-ICT programme which seeks bridge gender digital gap and to encourage girls to take interest in Information Communication and Technology (ITCs) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education from the early stages of their lives.

According to him, the Ministry has also partnered with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change to pilot a capital building project named ‘DigSMART’ for Public and Civil Servants with the aim to reorient their digital mind set for the future and become change makers for Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.

He said that plans were far advanced with regards to Ghana’s Digital Economy Policy and that the document would soon be implemented to foster the enabling environment for businesses in the country’s digital ecosystem.

Mr. Ofori also briefed the visiting team on the activities and functions of the sector agencies including the telecommunications industry and their contributions to the country’s digital economy.

The Development Advisor Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development at GIZ, Ms. Stephanie Huber, who led the delegation, commended the Minister for implementing key initiatives for skills development and digital inclusion for all.

Ms. Huber indicated that GIZ was happy to collaborate with the Ghana government in several areas in terms of technical and resources to support training programs especially for the private sector and start-ups to innovate.

The Meeting was participated by representatives from Agencies, Mobile Network Operators, GIZ officials from Nigeria and other officials of the Ministry.