Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, has lauded the newly launched CitizenApp for its role in eliminating the need for intermediaries, commonly known as ‘goro boys’. Speaking at the launch of the Ghana Digital Economy Policy, she underscored the app’s role, alongside other e-government platforms, in providing direct access to public services from citizens’ smartphones, making the process more efficient and transparent.
Owusu-Ekuful explained that the Ghana.gov platform, a unified portal designed to streamline government services, has been expanded to include the CitizenApp. “The portal has been expanded to include a CitizenApp which was recently launched by the Vice President. A mobile platform that will enable users to access public services on their smart mobile devices in the comfort of their homes and offices. No more ‘goro boys’,” she declared.
The Minister emphasized that the new policy will build on the progress made and outline a path for future digital growth, even amid the implementation of related initiatives. “Ghana’s digital agenda aims to ensure equal access to broadband internet connectivity throughout the country. We have implemented policies to ensure every communication user has access to public and private digital services regardless of their service provider,” she said.
She noted that while many digital initiatives had been undertaken prior to the policy’s formal launch, it would serve to consolidate gains and set a strategic direction for the future. “This digital economy policy is therefore not just timely, but essential in addressing the new realities of the digital transformation we are pursuing,” she added.
In closing, Owusu-Ekuful praised past and present leadership for their contributions to the success of digital initiatives. “I want to commend former President John Agyekum Kufuor, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and his Vice Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the strides we have made in the digital space.”
