Ghana's public utilities are joining a wave of digital transformation sweeping across Africa, aiming to improve efficiency, transparency, and service delivery in vital sectors like water, electricity, and sanitation. The move reflects a broader trend across the continent, where countries are increasingly leveraging technology to modernize infrastructure, boost economic growth, and improve citizens' lives.

Ghana’s state-owned Electricity Company (ECG) announced on Saturday, January 27, the digitization of several of its services. Customers will need to use the company’s mobile app to access services such as requesting a new contract, a sub-meter, or an additional load, to enhance service quality.

The company issued a press release stating, “This paperless system will require prospective customers applying for service to use the ECG Mobile App and follow the prompts therein, including uploading all required documents for the processing of service requests.” It further advised customers to provide accurate information when applying for the service, noting that all responses regarding their applications would be communicated via the contact telephone numbers provided.

Digital transformation is accelerating in Ghana, as in many other African countries, with an increasing number of public bodies digitizing their services to simplify daily life for citizens. According to the “E-Government Survey 2022 The Future of Digital Government” report by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), Ghana, under the leadership of Nana Akufo-Addo, is one of sixteen African champions in e-government, outperforming other West African countries like Cape Verde and Côte d’Ivoire.

DataReportal data indicates that Ghana had 23.05 million internet users at the start of 2023, representing an internet penetration rate of 68.2%.

Adoni Conrad Quenum