A high-powered delegation from the World Bank recently embarked on a working visit to Ghana, aiming to deepen collaborative efforts on pivotal digital transformation initiatives. This visit specifically focused on the Ghana Digital Acceleration Project (GDAP), underscoring the World Bank’s steadfast commitment to fostering a competitive, inclusive, and future-ready digital economy within Ghana.

The delegation was led by Michel Rogy, Regional Practice Director for Digital and AI, and included prominent members such as Jana Kunicová, Practice Manager for Digital in Africa West and Central, and Steve Davenport, Senior Digital Specialist, alongside other senior representatives from the World Bank's Digital Global Department.

The initial day of the visit commenced with the team engaging with the GDAP Project Coordination Unit (PCU) at the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation (MOCDTI), operating under the purview of Minister Samuel Nartey George. Edwin Amoako, who leads the PCU, provided comprehensive updates on the significant progress achieved across the core components of the project. These components encompass the expansion of digital infrastructure, enhancement of data exchange systems, strengthening of cybersecurity measures, development of digital public services, and advancement of digital skills.

During the engagement, Michel Rogy lauded the MOCDTI and the PCU for their unwavering dedication and the substantial progress demonstrated. He emphasized that Ghana’s digital transformation stands at a critical juncture, with global shifts driven by Artificial Intelligence. "AI is redefining economies worldwide. Ghana has the potential to lead the continent in this space, but it will require continued investment, stronger policy direction, and targeted digital skills development," Mr. Rogy articulated. He further affirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Ghana in unlocking digital innovation and generating sustainable digital job opportunities for its youth. Both Jana Kunicová and Steve Davenport reiterated the Bank's strong support for Ghana's ambitious digital agenda, particularly commending the robust coordination evident within GDAP.

Following the PCU visit, the delegation undertook a technical visit to the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), where they toured the National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) facility. This tour offered invaluable insights into Ghana's cybersecurity landscape, its national incident response capabilities, critical infrastructure protection systems, and the various GDAP-supported initiatives designed to bolster cyber resilience. Mr. Agbeti, Director General of the CSA, and his team briefed the delegation on the challenges faced, progress made, and priority areas for future collaboration, including capacity building, public awareness campaigns, and the reinforcement of digital protection frameworks. The World Bank delegation consistently highlighted cybersecurity as an indispensable pillar for achieving safe and sustainable digital growth.

Project Coordinator Edwin Amoako expressed profound gratitude to the World Bank for its continuous technical and financial assistance, reaffirming the PCU’s resolve to deliver tangible results that propel Ghana towards its digital transformation objectives. The high-level visit is slated to continue over several days, involving engagements with key institutions, development partners, and implementing agencies across Ghana.

The Ghana Digital Acceleration Project (GDAP) is a flagship initiative of the Government of Ghana, generously supported by the World Bank with a USD 200 million investment. Its overarching goals are to enhance digital infrastructure, fortify cybersecurity, expand digital public services, improve digital and entrepreneurial skills, and ultimately foster a more inclusive digital economy. GDAP aims to strategically position Ghana as a regional frontrunner in innovation, technology, and digital competitiveness.

Significant strides have been made across various aspects of GDAP. In digital infrastructure, quality-of-service monitoring equipment has been procured and fully installed at the National Communications Authority (NCA), facilitating real-time oversight of network performance. Additionally, the Ghana Meteorological Agency and GI-KACE have received crucial IT equipment and SADA furniture to significantly enhance their operational efficiency. To advance digital learning, thin client solutions have been successfully deployed in 232 educational institutions across the southern and middle zones of the country, thereby broadening access to digital tools for students.

The Data Protection Commission has also achieved major milestones, including the ongoing implementation of nationwide Data Protection Awareness campaigns. Furthermore, an enhanced registration portal, featuring automated compliance and breach-notification functionalities, has been launched, complemented by a fully revamped website equipped with a chatbot and community modules, improving public engagement and regulatory compliance.

Cybersecurity capabilities have received substantial reinforcement through technical enhancements to both the National and Sectoral CERTs, supported by a comprehensive "Safer Digital Ghana" media campaign designed to promote digital safety nationwide. Concurrently, the Cyber Security Authority continues to build the digital capacity of Members of Parliament (MPs), Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). In the realm of digital skills development, the Ghana Knowledge and Skills Bank has surpassed initial expectations, accumulating over 62,000 digital resources and serving more than 700,000 users across the nation.