A proposal for the Improvement in Ghana Government Service Delivery – with emphasis on Digital Technologies.

ASSIGMENT ON A PROPOSED DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY SOLUTION ON WAYS TO IMPROVE GOVERNMENT SERVICE DELIVERY, A 2ND PROJECT WORK SUBMITTED AS PART OF AN ONLINE COURSE – “DIGITAL DIVIDENDS: STRENGTHENING THE ANALOG FOUNDATION OF THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION” ORGANIZED BY THE WORLD BANK & EDX.ORG Topic: A proposal for the Improvement in Ghana Government Service Delivery – with emphasis on Digital Technologies. Modern digital technologies comprise mainly the Internet, mobile phones, the computer and other devices. These technologies facilitate the creation, storage, analysis and sharing of data and information. However, there are other emerging technologies such as 3D Printing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Autonomous Cars and 5G or 5th Generation Mobile Wireless technologies. Generally, when a government invests in digital technologies it can reap returns (digital dividends) such as economic growth, jobs and efficient services. From research, it has been found that digital technologies promote economic development and other digital dividends. They reduce information costs and “lower the cost of economic and social transactions for firms, individuals, and the public sector.” Digital technologies promote innovation when transactions costs fall; they boost efficiency as activities and services become cheaper, quicker, or more convenient; digital technologies also increase inclusion as people get access to services that were previously inaccessible. With such opportunities, it is no wonder many countries such as Ghana are eager to invest in digital technologies. This article has been written as a proposal for improvement in Government Service Delivery. History of Ghana Civil Service The Ghana Civil Service was initially established as the Colonial Service in the Gold Coast. It was the main instrument of British imperial policy. Upon the attainment of independence and republican status in 1957 and 1960 respectively, various Ministries and Government Departments were created and restructured. In 1960 the Civil Service Act, 1960, was enacted and later complemented by the Civil Service (Interim) Regulations, 1960 (L1.47). The Regulations provided for the creation of a Civil Service Commission, its structure and the mode of filling vacancies. In 1993, the Civil Service Law, 1993 (PNDCL 327), was passed. It replaced the Civil Service Act, 1960 (CA.5) and stated that the Civil Service was to form part of the Public Services of Ghana, and that it comprised service in a civil office of Government in both central and local government. This law stated that the Civil Service “is to assist the Government in the formulation and implementation of government policies for the development of the country.” Government Service The Government of Ghana through the Civil Service and Public Service has been and continues to be the single largest single employer in the country. In the Civil Service, in particular, graduates are employed from tertiary institution in the country and posted to sectors of government Ministries. Certain reforms were introduced into the Civil Service over the years by different governments. Examples of such reforms are Local Government Reforms (1988 & 1993) and Civil Service Performance Improvement Programme (1995). The public image of the Civil Service has not been favourable. It is perceived to be slow in delivering services and it uses too much paper in its work and records. Some Civil Servants are also accused of bribery before they offer quick service to their clients. Current Situation Digital technologies have a lot to offer Ghana Civil Service, the Government if they are implemented well. From all indications, the present Government has the political will to reap digital dividends. At a forum held in Accra on 5th December, 2017 at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence, the Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia said “government would leverage on technological innovations as agent of growth, source of income and way of work in the public sector and industry to promote socio-economic development.” The Government has launched the e-registration of businesses project, the paperless port project, the National Identification System, the National Digital Property Addressing System, Drivers’ Licensing and Vehicle Registration. However, there is still a lot to be done especially in the improvement of Government Service. Improving Government Service Delivery Adopting ICT or digital technologies in not enough to reap the digital dividends. They have to be combined with business model changes. One has to think of ICT as an enabler as new kinds of business models, educational systems, healthcare systems, transport systems and manufacturing systems. All these can have an impact on the population and the type of service provided by civil and public servants. The main suggestions that will be useful for improving the delivery of Government Service are as follows. 1. All paper records in the civil services should be ‘digitized’. This means transforming the data on paper records into “digital data.” This will facilitate the identification, search, accessing, retrieval, update, and archiving records electronically. 2. ICT teaching in the schools should be upgraded. There should be public centres like tech hubs for adults to acquire ICT skills. 3. Regulations about poor attitude to work including regularity, punctuality and favouritism should be enforced. 4. Electric power should be available, stable and affordable. 5. Taxes on ICT tools should be reduced to make them affordable. Conclusion On the basis of the above discussion, the Government of Ghana, can improve its services particularly in the civil service and public service when the above suggestions are considered. REFERENCE: 1. Kaoro Kimura – “Big steps toward Ghana’s digital future”, an Article (04 July, 2015 2. http://www.ohcs.gov.gh/history 3. Samia Melhem – World Bank – Video on “Strengthening the analog foundation of the digital revolution: Conclusion