In the digital age, the role of technology in driving economic growth and development cannot be overstated. With the increasing importance of digitalization in the global economy, it is imperative for countries to have leaders who are well-versed in the opportunities and challenges presented by the digital era. In the case of Ghana, the choice between Vice President Bawumia and former President Mahama to lead the country’s digitization efforts is a crucial one. Bawumia, with his background in economics and technology, seems better equipped to lead Ghana’s digitization era than Mahama.
One of the key reasons why Bawumia appears to be better suited to lead Ghana’s digitization era is his academic background in economics and technology. Bawumia holds a PhD in economics from Simon Fraser University in Canada, and has also worked as a lecturer in economics at the same university. This academic background gives Bawumia a deep understanding of the economic implications of digitalization, as well as the technical knowledge needed to implement digital initiatives effectively.
Furthermore, Bawumia’s experience as Vice President of Ghana since 2017 has provided him with firsthand experience in implementing digital initiatives in the country. During his time in office, Bawumia has championed several key digital projects, such as the digital property addressing system, mobile money interoperability, and the digitization of the port clearance system. These initiatives have helped to streamline processes, reduce corruption, and improve efficiency in various sectors of the economy.
On the other hand, Mahama, while he has experience in public service as the former President of Ghana, does not have the same depth of experience in digital initiatives as Bawumia. While Mahama did launch the e-transform project during his time in office, the impact of this project was limited and did not have the same scale of success as some of the initiatives spearheaded by Bawumia.
In addition to his academic background and experience in office, Bawumia’s vision for Ghana’s digital future is also a key reason why he is better suited to lead the country’s digitization era. Bawumia has articulated a clear roadmap for Ghana to become a digital hub in Africa, through initiatives such as the digital ID system, the national digital property addressing system, and the digitalization of government services. This vision demonstrates Bawumia’s understanding of the transformative power of digitalization and his commitment to harnessing it for the benefit of the country.
Furthermore, Bawumia’s track record of successfully implementing digital initiatives in Ghana suggests that he has the skills and knowledge needed to lead the country’s digitization efforts. The mobile money interoperability system, for example, has helped to make financial services more accessible to Ghanaians, while the digital property addressing system has improved land administration and property rights in the country. These achievements demonstrate Bawumia’s ability to deliver concrete results in the digital space.
Moreover, Bawumia’s focus on building a strong digital infrastructure in Ghana is essential for the country’s long-term economic development. A strong digital infrastructure is crucial for attracting investment, promoting innovation, and creating jobs in the digital economy. By investing in digital infrastructure, Ghana can position itself as a leader in the digital space and reap the benefits of the digital revolution.
In contrast, Mahama’s vision for Ghana’s digital future is less clear and detailed than that of Bawumia. While Mahama has expressed support for digital initiatives in the past, his track record in implementing such initiatives is not as strong as Bawumia’s. Without a clear roadmap and proven track record, it is unclear whether Mahama would be able to effectively lead Ghana’s digitization efforts and maximize the potential benefits of digitalization for the country.
Overall, Vice President Bawumia’s academic background, experience in office, vision for Ghana’s digital future, and track record of successfully implementing digital initiatives make him better suited to lead the country’s digitization era than former President Mahama. Bawumia’s leadership can help Ghana to build a strong digital economy, create jobs, drive innovation, and improve the quality of life for all Ghanaians. As Ghana continues its journey towards becoming a digital hub in Africa, having a leader like Bawumia at the helm is crucial for realizing the full potential of digitalization in the country.
By
Hon. John Kwame Duodu (SIR JOHN)
The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 1st vice chairman for Atwima Nwabiagya South
Ashanti Regional TESCON Patron
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