Mr Emmanuel Mumuni, the Programme Component Manager at the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), has urged digital innovation ecosystem actors to intensify discussions and collaborations, to develop new applications for existing digital technologies and create innovative technologies.
He described digital innovation as not a mere process but a transformation power that reshaped the fabric of how businesses operate, enhance value creation and interact with the world.
Mr Mumuni was speaking at the Ghana Digital and Innovation Week celebration in the eastern regional capital, Koforidua, on the theme: “Innovate together: Collaborating for digital transformation and impact”.
He said GIZ was relentless to supporting job creation growth in Ghana through digitalisation to enhance employment prospect.
It aims to support technology start-ups and disadvantaged individuals with advisory services, financial instruments, short term and long-term training.
The Ghana Digital and Innovation Week celebration brought together representatives of the Ghana Hubs Network, students from the Pope John Senior High school, Methodist Girls’ Senior High school-Mamfe, and Koforidua Senior High Technical School.
Other participants included the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), traders and the various associations.
Mr Seth Kwame Acheampong, the Eastern Regional Minister, explained that the Ghana Digital and Innovation Week was an initiative launched in 2021 by the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The project was born out of a collaborative effort between the government, private sector, academia, development partners, and civil society organizations, with GIZ serving as the implementing partner.
The yearly event aimed not only to raise awareness about the importance of digitalisation, but also to equip organisations and businesses with the knowledge and tools to successfully adopt digital transformation as a new paradigm for development.
“Today, we can boast of Ghana.Gov that manages transactions on behalf of all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies including the Ghana Revenue Authority, Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), and Passport office,” he said.
The Ghana Digital and Innovation Week aimed to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises by sharing knowledge, building capacity, forming partnerships, and discussing policies.
To support this goal and boost private enterprises, the government started setting up Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics schools, which help students develop their skills by using innovation and digitalisation.
During the event, an exhibition showcased students’ projects, including an Electro-Hydro-Dynamic System (a smart crop drying system), a humanoid robot, a Lego robot, a Mars Rover, and a 3D printer.
Designers and fashion exhibitors displayed African wear for men and women, as well as beaded accessories like bangles, bracelets, and bags.
