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The Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adam Sukparu (MP), has called on Information Technology (IT) and Information Management professionals in Ghana’s Civil Service to play a more strategic role in advancing digital governance and the country’s digital transformation agenda.
Speaking on behalf of the Sector Minister, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, MP, at the 7th General Meeting of the Information Technology and Information Management Association of Ghana’s Civil Service, he said the growing importance of technology and data in public administration required professionals to move beyond traditional technical roles and become active contributors to digital transformation.
Hon.Sukparu said effective information management was critical to ensuring that government data was properly managed, protected, shared and utilised to support evidence-based decision-making, accountability and improved public service delivery.
He noted that with the increasing integration of artificial intelligence and other data-driven technologies into government operations, the quality, integrity, accessibility and security of public-sector information had become more important than ever.
The Deputy Minister said Ghana was making progress in its digital transformation efforts through investments in digital public infrastructure, broadband connectivity, digital financial services, electronic government platforms, cybersecurity and innovation.
He added that these efforts were being supported by national policies and legislative frameworks governing the digital economy, data protection and electronic transactions, alongside ongoing reforms to ensure that Ghana’s digital laws remained responsive to emerging technologies.
He noted that the Government was also advancing the implementation of Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and reviewing existing sector legislation while developing new legal frameworks to respond to emerging digital realities.
According to him, digital transformation was ultimately about transforming how government works, improving collaboration among institutions and delivering public services that were more efficient, transparent, responsive and citizen-centred.
“Digital transformation succeeds because of people,” he said, stressing that behind every government digital platform, information system, network and citizen-centred digital service were professionals responsible for designing, maintaining and continuously improving those systems.
The Deputy Minister therefore encouraged IT and Information Management professionals to see themselves as “architects of Ghana’s digital future” rather than merely technology officers. He said their work had direct implications for sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, justice, local governance and public financial management.
He further urged members of the Association to embrace continuous professional development, lifelong learning, research and collaboration with universities, development partners and other professional bodies to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving technological environment.
Addressing the governance focus of the General Meeting, which included the review of the Association’s constitution, election guidelines and election code of conduct, Hon. Sukparu said strong institutions required effective governance, accountability, transparency and shared values.
He commended the leadership of the Information Technology and Information Management Association for its efforts to strengthen the organisation and create a platform for professionals to collaborate, share knowledge, mentor younger professionals and contribute to Ghana’s digital transformation.
He said greater unity among IT and Information Management professionals across ministries, departments and agencies could help establish common standards, promote best practices and strengthen government-wide digital transformation.
The Deputy Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service and the Association to strengthen digital governance across the Civil Service. He said the Ministry would continue to promote initiatives in areas including innovation, cybersecurity, interoperability, artificial intelligence readiness, digital inclusion, digital skills development and resilient digital infrastructure.
He also encouraged members to participate actively in the Association’s discussions and build an organisation founded on fairness, inclusiveness, transparency, professionalism and ethical conduct.
