The flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has indicated that the digitalization drive will have positive impacts on every facet of national lives.
According to the Vice President, the agenda is to create opportunities, particularly for the youth, while positioning the nation firmly to benefit from the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Dr. Bawumia said this on Monday, August 12, 2024 at the celebration of this year’s International Youth Day, held at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh, in the
Central Region.
He said that the government is committed to expanding digital infrastructure, promoting
digital literacy and ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital revolution.
BRIDGE GAP
Dr. Bawumia acknowledged that there was a gap between the country and digitalization.
He mentioned that should he get the nod to be president, he plans to train one million
youth in digital works to create employment.
“By prioritizing education and connectivity, we are laying the groundwork for a brighter, digitally-driven future for our nation. In the immediate future, from under my government,
from January 2025, by the grace of God, we plan to train 1 million youth to create a digital workforce of one million people,” he said. The Vice President explained that the youth, to be digitally trained, will revolutionise key sectors such as; “agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing and finance, and the opportunities available will be global.”
He noted that the goal is to enable the Ghanaian youth to conduct business and collaborate
remotely, both locally and globally, enhancing connectivity and economic growth.
MEASURES
Dr. Bawumia outlined measures the Akufo-Addo government is putting in place to fill in the digital gap. He indicated that government has undertaken some initiatives, including the issuance of the Ghana Card, the National Digital Property address system, the Digital Inclusion Project, distributing 1.3 million free Computer Tablets to Senior High School students, providing free WiFi in schools and expanding telephony services under the Ghana Rural Telephony.
Expressing confidence in the can-do spirit of the Ghanaian, especially when coupled with a mindset of possibilities, Dr. Bawumia said the future of Ghana can only be bright.
FOUNDATION
Having listed the initiatives undertaken and their impact, Dr. Bawumia said that the foundation has been laid for the past seven years to leverage digitalization to create and
sustain jobs and other opportunities. He said “Our government has been dedicated to these efforts over the past seven years, through various digitalization initiatives that are yielding positive results in every aspect of our socio-economic lives.
“Since 2017, our government has focused on transforming Ghana into a digital powerhouse, with a strong emphasis on economic growth, transparency and inclusivity.”
He said that the Ghanaian youth have shown their ingenuity in the digital space and they have proved that they have what it takes to compete globally.
He believed that the youth would “take full advantage and compete favourably in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It is possible! “As leaders, it is our responsibility to empower,
support and amplify your voices by creating opportunities for participation, providing
access to education and resources and promoting an environment where our gallant
youth can thrive.
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