Digitalisation is key to addressing Ghana’s economic challenges – Bawumia
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, recently addressed critiques that he has shifted his focus from Ghana’s economic issues to an emphasis on digitalization. Bawumia clarified that his approach is not a deviation from economic priorities but an integrated strategy where digital initiatives are central to addressing economic challenges in Ghana.
Speaking at the launch of the National Credit Scoring System, Bawumia highlighted that digital tools such as mobile money interoperability and the new credit scoring initiative are designed to improve financial access and transparency, as well as promote economic inclusion. According to Bawumia, these innovations lay the groundwork for a modern, efficient, and inclusive economy. He explained that mobile money interoperability, for instance, has already broadened financial inclusion by allowing easy transactions across various mobile networks, enabling more Ghanaians to access financial services.
The opposition, particularly the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its flagbearer John Dramani Mahama, has criticized Bawumia’s focus on digitalization, suggesting it diverts attention from Ghana’s pressing economic concerns. However, Bawumia defended his approach, emphasizing that digitalization is a means to solve economic issues, not sidestep them.
Reflecting on past initiatives, Bawumia noted that his push for mobile money interoperability initially faced skepticism. “When I was pushing for the implementation of these projects, many people said I had abandoned economics to pursue digitalization,” he stated. “They did not understand that I was using digitalization to solve economic problems.” He added that the success of mobile money interoperability has proven the potential of digital solutions to create broader economic benefits.
Bawumia’s stance is that integrating digital technologies into Ghana’s economic strategy can lead to a more accessible and fair financial landscape, ultimately positioning the country to address both current economic issues and future growth opportunities.
