By King Amoah.
In the vibrant conversation surrounding Ghana’s technological advancement, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s claims regarding digitization have sparked considerable debate.
Mr. Peter Ampong, a Chinese resident and expert currently residing in Kumasi, has provided a critical perspective, suggesting that Bawumia’s digitization experience resembles the practical work of a basic school student in China.
This comparison raises important questions about Ghana’s technological aspirations and the expectations of its citizens regarding the government’s efforts in fostering a knowledge-based economy.
In an interview with the correspondent, Peter Ampong said Bawumia, who is the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer for the upcoming elections, has been vocal about the strides made in digitizing various sectors of the economy.
Peter Ampong quipped that Bawumia’s initiatives have aimed to improve service delivery in government by integrating digital platforms for processes ranging from tax collection to the issuance of identification cards.
While these efforts certainly mark a step towards modernization, they have been received with mixed feelings among the citizenry.
Mr. Peter argues that the current digital advancements being touted by Bawumia are not groundbreaking in the global context.
“What we are witnessing in Ghana is something that a basic school student in China could accomplish as part of their curriculum,” he said, emphasizing the need for more substantial innovations that can genuinely transform the economy.
According to him, Ghanaians, particularly the youth and the informed populace, are looking for tangible technological innovations that contribute to manufacturing capabilities – areas that can create jobs and address local needs.
Peter Ampong indicated that as Ghana continues to grapple with economic challenges, there is growing pressure on leaders to present solutions that will not only digitize existing processes but also innovate in areas like automobile production, aeronautics, and other advanced manufacturing sectors.
The expectation, as Mr. Peter suggests, is that true progress in digitization should pave the way for more complex technological applications that underpin a sustainable and prosperous economy.
Critics argue that while digitization does provide significant benefits, such as increased efficiency and accessibility, it is paramount for a nation’s technological evolution to leap from mere administrative enhancements to groundbreaking industrial capabilities.
The arguments from individuals like Mr. Peter reflect a broader sentiment that Ghanaians are eager for a shift from basic digitization to more transformative technologies that enhance local production and reduce dependency on imports.
As the political landscape evolves with the upcoming elections, the scrutiny of candidates like Bawumia will intensify.
Voter expectations will hinge on whether politicians can articulate a clear vision that transcends basic digitization and addresses the critical need for innovation in manufacturing and technology.
For Bawumia to receive the credit he seeks, he might need to amplify his focus on comprehensive policies that foster the development of cutting-edge technology and support Ghanaian industries in achieving global competitiveness.
Peter Ampong noted that while Bawumia’s digitization initiatives mark a positive step forward, the challenge remains for leaders to evolve these ideas into a broader narrative that emphasizes real technological advancement.
He added ,If Ghana is to build a prosperous economy, it must harness its digital strides towards fostering an environment ripe for innovation in manufacturing and high-tech industries—a challenge that demands the government’s immediate and focused attention.
