Prof. John Gatsi has sent a strong message to the Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia saying a mistake must not be made into thinking that digitalization surpasses the provision of common needs of the people adding that “Digitalization is not a replacement for hardship and unemployment“
The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia during an address he delivered on the Digitalization of the Ghanaian economy at the Ashesi University said Ghana is globally renowned, as a digitalization pacesetter on the African continent, and explains how Ghana has achieved many global firsts in many innovations through digitization.
But the Dean of the University of Cape Coast School of Business disagrees with the Vice President saying “In recent times, the following words – digitization, digitalization and economic transformation have moved from the experts to politicians. The reality is that digitalization is a continuous process that goes beyond the generation of data. It is actually an input to catalyze efficient processes and enhance benefits.”
Prof. Gatsi explains that “The hard truth is, it is not a replacement for the provision of potable water, industrial and domestic access to cheaper energy. Is also not a replacement for debt overhang, fiscal dominance, and massive unemployment. Poor housing schemes, low investments in roads, irrigation facilities, and continuous income erosion for households cannot be replaced by digitization or digitalization.”
Battling his argument, Prof. Gatsi said “If we make the mistake into thinking that digitalization surpasses the provision of common needs of the people then we are saying applying for a Ghana card online on empty stomach is a great achievement. Doing all including deepening digitalization is a must. Because Ghanaians will say let me work to enjoy digitalization. Let me have internet to enjoy digitalization. Let fuel prices go down to enjoy digitalization. Let incomes be stable to enjoy digitalization.”
