Ghana to Digitise 16,000 Government Services on Ghana.gov Platform

In a significant push to modernize public service delivery, Ghana is set to expand its Ghana.gov platform dramatically, with 16,000 government services slated for digital integration. This ambitious undertaking was announced by Samuel Nartey George, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, during a recent press briefing.

The Ministry, in collaboration with the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) , is currently re-engineering the platform to make government services more accessible and convenient for citizens and businesses alike. The goal is to enhance transparency and reliability in accessing public services.

Currently, the Ghana.gov portal facilitates around 1,500 to 2,000 services, including payments, permits, registrations, and licenses, serving as a central digital hub. The redesigned version, expected to launch in the fourth quarter after a public tender, promises significantly faster access, full Ghana Card integration, and an intuitive, streamlined interface. This redesign aligns with the government’s broader digital transformation agenda, aiming to reduce bureaucracy and improve service delivery turnaround times.

Beyond digital services, Minister George also addressed critical issues concerning digital content and consumer rights. He condemned the proliferation of sexually explicit material on platforms like TikTok, emphasizing its unacceptability and contravention of Ghanaian cultural values. He disclosed that the government had engaged TikTok’s West Africa team to advocate for in-country content moderation by locally trained teams. Furthermore, a local content governance framework was proposed, with the Cybersecurity Authority (CSA) tasked to monitor and remove offensive content, particularly to safeguard minors.

In a related development, assurance was given to the public regarding DStv subscription prices, with a commitment to securing a reduction. A crucial meeting was scheduled with MultiChoice Ghana and their South African leadership to discuss pricing structures that are more responsive to Ghana’s economic conditions and its citizens’ financial realities.

Regarding radio stations, the Minister provided an update on ongoing enforcement actions against non-compliant broadcasters. Out of 62 stations previously shut down by the National Communications Authority (NCA), only 18 have so far initiated steps to rectify their violations. These stations have less than ten days remaining in a 30-day moratorium granted by the President as a gesture of leniency for infractions such as license non-renewal, lack of tax clearance, and non-compliance with standards. The Minister affirmed that the enforcement is not politically motivated but essential for sanitizing the broadcasting sector. The 18 stations demonstrating good faith will receive an additional 30-day extension to achieve full compliance, though a strict warning was issued against those who fail to act. The media was urged to adhere to legal obligations, with a reminder of the responsibilities that accompany their influence.