The essence of digitization is to use technology to improve the way things are done to bring about effectiveness, efficiency and affordability. Digitization is a continuous improvement process that helps to diversify an economy, open up markets, generate competition and promote economies of scope and scale. Digitization should upscale livelihood improvement, productivity, attractive business environment and security of citizens.
There are levels of digitization. The change from the use of typewriters to computers and the use of more sophisticated computers in business, media and data analysis are all part of the lower levels of digitization.
All the above shows some level of digitization since 1992. What we do today is enhancing the scope. Historically, some episodic events create demand for digitized products and services to increase usability. For example the demand for and use of online tools in marketing, media, health delivery and education have surged due to the lockdown associated with the management of Coronavirus pandemic globally.
Since digitization is a continuous improvement strategy that one cannot avoid , government policies will continue to address emerging opportunities in the digitization space irrespective of a change in government.
The level of access to digital services, application and use of digital products and services, affordability , reliability and ease of access to support infrastructure such as efficient internet systems are some of the measures used to assess the level of digitization in a country.
Digitization strategy is not a mutually exclusive solution to the challenges of a country and cannot replace investment in areas that need leadership in an organization or a country.
Digitization is not a replacement to finding progressive solutions for the Okada menace, infrastructure deficits in health, education and agriculture among others.
Digitization cannot replace our commitment to protect the dignity of all citizens. Digitization should not be mystified to be seen as the solution to all our problems in Ghana.
Digitization is not a replacement of the fight against “galamsay” and to ensure cleaner environment. Digitization is not the solution to make use of hospital and school infrastructure built with public funds but are not being used.
Digitization is not a replacement for road and rail construction.
We have been benefiting from digitization since 1992. The use of mobile phones for multiple transactions started more than 11 years ago but new transactions have been added now and more will be added in the future. Automation of the Courts, payroll, banks, social deliveries such LEAP were all started in the past. All these could not replace demand for proper disposal of waste and sanitation in our cities.
The problems that the National Apprenticeship and Entrepreneurship Program will solve, cannot be solved by digitization alone. The fiscal environment for startups, SMEs, and entrepreneurs to deliver goes beyond digitization.
Digitization is very important in modern society but cannot replace leadership. It takes leadership to fight corruption, discrimination and inequitable distribution of national resources.
