Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, had the honor of launching the CitizenApp on behalf of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The event took place on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the Kempinski Gold Coast City in Accra, Ghana. The day coincidentally marks the birthday of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The launch was graced by an array of dignitaries, including Julie Essiam, the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), along with her team. Other notable attendees included CEOs, directors from various sectors and agencies, ministers, members of the Ministry of Finance, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and representatives from the press.
In his keynote address, Vice President Bawumia emphasized that President Akufo-Addo, since assuming office in 2017, has championed a digitalization agenda aimed at moving the nation forward in a more efficient, transparent, and technologically driven manner. He noted that several key initiatives have already been rolled out under this agenda, citing examples such as the issuance of the Ghana Card, the Mobile Money Interoperability system, and the E-Procurement platform, among others.
Dr. Bawumia explained that the CitizenApp is yet another forward-thinking initiative spearheaded by President Akufo-Addo. As the head of the Economic Management Team, Dr. Bawumia has been closely involved in the conceptualization and realization of this vision. The Vice President disclosed that, to ensure the successful implementation of the CitizenApp, a specialized team comprising himself, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam (the Minister of Finance), members of the GRA, and ICT experts, was dispatched to Estonia. Estonia is known for its advanced digital governance systems, and the Ghanaian team’s mission was to study the Estonian model and explore how a similar system could be adapted for Ghana.
Upon their return, Dr. Bawumia and his team set to work on developing the CitizenApp, determined to create a platform that would revolutionize the way citizens interact with the government. The Vice President proudly stated, “After a series of tests and trials, here we are today, launching the CitizenApp at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra.”
One of the key highlights of Dr. Bawumia’s speech was the uniqueness of the CitizenApp. He pointed out that such advanced digital systems are not yet common, even in many developed countries, and Ghana’s launch of the CitizenApp marks a significant milestone not just for the country, but for the entire West African countries. “This type of system is not found in many countries, not even in some advanced nations. None of the West African countries is operating with a system like this, except Ghana, as we launch ours today,” he emphasized.
Dr. Bawumia reiterated that Ghana is ready to move beyond the outdated, analog methods of governance, where citizens had to endure long queues for business and registration processes, struggle to access vital information, and experience frustrations with the inefficiencies of various government services. He highlighted that the CitizenApp will provide a solution to these challenges by offering a streamlined, digital alternative. Through this app, the government will be able to facilitate seamless data and information exchange, offering a centralized artificial intelligence (AI) database, unique personal identification for both individuals and government agencies, and a robust cybersecurity system to protect sensitive data.
The Vice President further stressed the importance of digital transformation in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He pointed out that global trends demand that every nation embrace digital technology, and Ghana is gradually aligning with these demands. “The Fourth Industrial Revolution demands that every country becomes digitally oriented, and Ghana is gradually aligning with this global imperative,” Dr. Bawumia remarked.
He explained that the primary aim of the CitizenApp is to create a personalized Ghana for all citizens and residents. According to Dr. Bawumia, the CitizenApp will foster a more personalized experience for Ghanaians, enabling them to access essential government services and information at their fingertips.
Dr. Bawumia appealed to all Ghanaians to embrace the CitizenApp. He encouraged citizens to download, register, and fully utilize the app, emphasizing that it is designed to benefit everyone. “This app is for us all. Let’s enroll and register now!” he urged. His call to action was clear: the success of the CitizenApp depends on widespread adoption and active participation from all sectors of society.
The Vice President expressed his gratitude to the dedicated team and all the agencies that played a crucial role in the development of the CitizenApp. He acknowledged the hard work and collaboration that went into the creation of the app.
With the CitizenApp, Ghana is poised to set an example for other African nations to follow in the pursuit of digital innovation, the Vice President concluded.
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