Ghana’s Leap Toward Digital Transformation through Public-Private Partnerships

Prof Ken Agyemang Attafuah, the Executive Secretary of the National Identity Authority (NIA), has emphasized the need for robust public-private partnerships (PPPs) as a cornerstone for accelerating Ghana’s journey towards digital transformation. Speaking at the second edition of the Made in Ghana summit in Accra, Prof Attafuah outlined this strategy as vital for the nation’s digital future.

Organized by the Entrepreneur Foundation of Ghana (EFG), the summit took place on December 8 under the theme “The Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Sustainable Digital Transformation.” This event drew together influential figures from public and private sectors, including policymakers, entrepreneurs, and members of the diplomatic corps, focusing on government’s digitalization, industrialization, and business development initiatives.

According to a report by the Daily Graphic, Prof Attafuah highlighted the successful collaboration between NIA and its technical partner, Identity Management Systems II Limited (IMS II), as an exemplar of PPPs’ critical role in fostering digital transformation. He detailed how these partnerships leverage the vision and trust of government entities with the technological expertise and dynamism of the private sector. The Ghana Card, a product of such collaborative efforts, exemplifies efficiency, security, and inclusivity, showcasing the fusion of public guidance and private innovation.

Advocating further for PPPs, Prof Attafuah underscored the complementary strengths these collaborations harness. Governmental bodies contribute overarching visions, legal frameworks, public trust, and stakeholder engagement skills, while private partners like Margins Group bring cutting-edge technology and specialized knowledge. This symbiotic relationship has resulted in a robust identity management system, adhering to international standards and meeting the unique identification needs of Ghanaians.

Dr Ken Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, mirrored Prof Attafuah’s views, stressing the critical role of collaboration between public and private sectors in enhancing technological accessibility, such as affordable handsets. He cited Rwanda’s initiative of providing free smartphones to citizens as a model for Ghana’s digital pathway.

Dr Ashigbey encouraged stakeholders to seize collaboration opportunities, advocating a unified approach involving the government, private sector, third sector, and academia. This, he believes, is essential for sustainable digital transformation in Ghana.

The Made in Ghana summit represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s digital evolution, setting the stage for a future where digital transformation is achieved through strategic and collaborative efforts.