Ghana’s digitization has received a lot of praise. Dr. Bawumia is a strong supporter. According to the CPI research, it will minimize corruption.

Ghana has been lauded by Transparency International for making digitization a core policy goal and implementing programs to create a more digitally accessible public sector, as well as encouraging transparency and efficiency, in order to boost growth across the board.

According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for 2021, Ghana’s digitalization projects have the potential to eradicate corruption and boost economic development.

According to the CPI research, data from the government of Ghana’s ongoing digitization programs revealed that automated processes inside relevant public organizations, such as the Ghana Revenue Authority, had reduced human touch and was important in decreasing corruption.

The report, on the other hand, advised the government to make electronic services available to all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as to prioritize and digitize those that are in high demand by citizens.

Transparency International’s objective is to fight corruption and promote transparency, with the Misconduct Perception Index (CPI) serving as a prominent global indicator of public sector corruption – with a particular focus on corruption, democracy, and human rights.

Ghana failed to make progress in the fight against corruption in the 2021 report, keeping a score of 43 in 2020 for 2021.

Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Ghana’s Vice President, has been leading the country’s digitalization efforts. Dr. Bawumia said the country was establishing a new system to undergird the economy that would increase openness, promote accountability, and efficiency in all aspects of public interactions while addressing at the Trinity Theological Seminary’s graduation ceremony in November 2021.

According to him, such a system would reduce the incentives to pay bribes and the potential for corruption in public service delivery.

The Vice President was reported in a GNA article as saying, “It is a system where the operations of government institutions are digitized for effective service delivery,” adding that it was a system that was formalizing the informal sector.

“Through digitalization, we have been able to tackle corruption in the following areas: Passport office – online, Ports, GRA – Tax Identification Number is Now the Ghana Card number (4 percent to 86 percent), Social Security and National Insurance Trust is now the Ghanacard number, National Health Insurance Scheme number is now the Ghanacard number,” Dr. Bawumia continued. Renewal of NHIS membership by mobile phone, purchase of power credits via mobile phone, passport linking to Ghanacard, and every public sector employee being uniquely recognized by their Ghanacard number – no more double salaries.

Source: www.ghanaweb.com