CitizenApp and digital initiatives eliminate need for ‘goro boys’

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, has praised the newly launched CitizenApp for eliminating the need for intermediaries, known as ‘goro boys’.

She emphasized that the app, alongside other e-government initiatives, allows citizens to access public services directly from their smartphones, making services more efficient and transparent.

Speaking at the launch of the Ghana Digital Economy Policy on November 28 in Accra, she highlighted the Ghana.gov platform, a unified portal designed to enhance accessibility and streamline government services.

This unified portal offers access to numerous government services, enhancing their accessibility, transparency, and efficiency.

“The portal has been expanded to include a CitizenApp which was recently launched by the Vice President. A mobile platform that will enable users to access public services on their smart mobile devices in the comfort of their homes and offices. No more ‘goro boys’ [middlemen].”

The new policy, as she asserts, will reinforce the progress achieved and establish a direction for the future, even in light of the implementation of other associated policies.

“Ghana’s digital agenda aims to ensure equal access to broadband internet connectivity throughout the country. We have implemented policies to ensure every communication user has access to public and private digital services regardless of their service provider.

“Even though many digital initiatives have been implemented ahead of the launch of this policy. The policy will help to consolidate the gains made and chart the course for the future.”

The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation stated that the new policy is both timely and crucial for the ongoing digital transformation.

“This digital economy policy is therefore not just timely, but essential in addressing the new realities of the digital transformation we are pursuing.”

She praised former President John Agyekum Kufuor, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his Vice Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for the success chalked in the digital space.