Digital revolution (3/3) - Charting Ghana's Digital Horizon: Lessons from India, Denmark, and the Path Ahead

Amid the global digital transformation, Ghana has emerged as an aspirational beacon for many developing nations. As we contemplate the transformative trajectories of giants like India and Denmark, Ghana presents an equally compelling digital narrative. This article is the third in a series that aims to highlight the importance of digitization in economic progress. It also contributes to the ongoing debate in Ghana, where some view information technology as separate from economics, while others see it as essential for economic development.

In part 1, we traced information technology along the evolving paradigms of economics. In part 2, we traced  the journeys of India and Denmark, from agrarian beginnings to technology-powered economies, underscoring the transformative potential of digital initiatives. While these nations charted their unique paths, Ghana's suite of digitization projects, spanning from biometric national IDs to drone-powered medical deliveries, showcases its ambitious commitment to a digital future.

While Ghana has mapped its entire land digitally and revolutionized transactions with mobile money interoperability, the country is still navigating the nuances of a knowledge-based economy. Projects like the Ghana.Gov platform and digital healthcare delivery suggest a budding knowledge ecosystem. As a recognition of Ghana’s stride in the digital economy, Google opened its first Africa Artificial Intelligence Lab in Accra in 2019.  However, to compete with India's bustling tech hubs and Denmark's innovative biotech scene, more strides are necessary.

Drawing insights from India and Denmark Ghana must strengthen and expand its digital economy’s framework along the following lines.

1. Foster Innovation Hubs: Emulate India's model of creating tech parks and incubation centers like those in Bengaluru to nurture startups and innovations.
2. Strengthen Digital Infrastructure: Take a cue from Denmark and invest heavily in robust digital infrastructure, ensuring reliable and widespread internet connectivity.
3. Nurture Talent through Education: Much like India's emphasis on IT education, prioritize digital literacy and skills development at all educational levels.
4. Continue to Promote Public-Private Partnerships: Ghana’s stride in information technology has been driven largely by a strong public-private partnership. Drawing from Denmark's collaborative ecosystem, encourage more partnerships between the government and the private sector to fast-track digital projects.
5. R&D Investment: allocate significant funds for research, especially in sectors like biotech, green technology, and digital solutions. Tracks metrics like: Patents related to emerging technologies (e.g., AI, blockchain). Start-ups and venture capital investments in the digital sector as a result of R&D
6. Sustainable Digital Policies: Adopt Denmark's sustainable approach to digitalization, focusing on green technology and solutions that address both technological and environmental concerns.
7. Inclusive Digital Initiatives: Taking a leaf out of India's playbook, ensure digitization benefits are reaped by all sections of society, including marginalized communities. Expand the digitization of government services and reduce the number of siloed systems in order to significantly reduce the mean time to receive services from the government.
8. Business Digital Adoption: Examines the extent to which businesses have embraced digital tools and processes, such as: E-commerce sales as a percentage of total sales, Use of cloud computing services, Deployment of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems.
9. Digital Security and Privacy: strengthen the. Cybersecurity authority and the regulatory frameworks around data protection and privacy. Start initiatives to enhance digital trust

2024 Elections: Digitization as a unifying force

With the 2024 elections on the horizon, Ghana stands at a pivotal juncture. The role of IT and digitization can indeed serve as a unifying force, emphasizing national progress and a vision for a digital future. However, if not managed inclusively, competing political interests may turn the beautiful achievement into a political football that does not serve the national interest.  Trust in the digital ecosystem is a critical ingredient in the adoption of digital solutions. The 2024 elections provide a platform for leaders of the country to make pronouncements that enhance trust rather than reduce trust in the digital economy of Ghana. It is vital for Ghanaian politicians and electorates to view digitization as a means to foster unity and progress. Leaders must ensure that digital initiatives benefit all, bridging the rural-urban divide and ensuring no citizen is left behind.

A simple call from all aspirants that urges every one residing in Ghana ( be it a foreigner or Ghanaian) to get their Ghanacards would be excellent.  Leaders could also urge the electorate to embrace digitization and register their SIM card with their Ghanacard. They can also get citizens to download the citizen app in order to shorten the distance between government and citizens, and many more.

There's a clarion call for leaders to be not just policymakers but technology thought leaders. It’s no longer sufficient to acknowledge technology’s role; politicians must understand, anticipate, and shape its trajectory. This entails fostering a tech ecosystem, investing in STEM education, and forging international tech partnerships.

In conclusion, Ghana, with its rich tapestry of digital projects, is poised to ascend the ladder of digital maturity. But this journey requires vision, inclusivity, and an understanding of the broader implications of technology on society and in our economy. If the upcoming elections champion these ideals, Ghana’s digital dreams can indeed transform our economy and bring the much needed discipline.