Vice President and NPP flagbearer, has emphasized the importance of digitalisation in driving economic progress, as he launched the CitizenApp, a platform designed to centralize and simplify interactions between the government and the public.
Dr. Bawumia highlighted the necessity of a robust digital foundation for any modern economy, particularly as the world transitions into the Fourth Industrial Revolution.Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia,
“Under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, we have made digitalisation a central pillar of our economic strategy. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is reshaping the global landscape, and we cannot afford to miss this opportunity as we did in the past,” Dr. Bawumia said.
The CitizenApp is part of Ghana’s broader digitalisation efforts, which have seen advancements in biometric identification, mobile money interoperability, and the digitisation of public services.
Prior to these developments, Dr. Bawumia noted, government services were often slow, inefficient, and plagued by bureaucratic delays. “Before we began this journey in 2017, digitalisation in Ghana was largely seen as a peripheral concern, not central to the country’s national development agenda,” he recalled.
A New Solution for Public Services
The CitizenApp, launched with representatives from various state institutions in attendance, marks a significant leap in public service delivery. It offers a user-friendly platform where citizens can access a wide range of services, from paying utility bills and local fees to applying for birth certificates, passports, and even updating personal details like a name change after marriage—all from a mobile phone.
“With this single, unified platform, we are consolidating public services to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and convenience for all citizens and residents of Ghana,” Dr. Bawumia stated.
One of the standout features of the CitizenApp is its data interoperability system, which links government agencies, allowing data to flow seamlessly between them. This will reduce bureaucracy, streamline processes, and improve the speed and quality of services. For example, new parents can now apply for a birth certificate directly from the app, saving time and avoiding multiple trips to government offices. “Parents can now focus on their newborn instead of worrying about paperwork,” Dr. Bawumia added.
As people grow, the app will continue to support their needs, whether for passport applications, job searches, or accessing other essential services. By reducing the need for in-person visits and eliminating paperwork, the app aims to make government services more transparent and efficient.
The CitizenApp marks a significant step in Ghana’s ongoing digital transformation, aimed at streamlining public services and improving accessibility. While Dr. Bawumia’s digitalisation efforts have previously drawn criticism, the rollout of initiatives such as the CitizenApp has been seen as a practical validation of the government’s approach. He stated that a successful economic strategy today relies on a robust digital infrastructure, especially as the global economy evolves.mia concluded.
About CitizenApp
The CitizenApp is a comprehensive digital platform developed to centralise government services, making them easily accessible to the public. It allows users to pay bills, manage personal information, and access essential services, all from the convenience of their mobile devices. The app aims to reduce bureaucracy and improve public service delivery in Ghana.
