2024 DigSMART Graduation Ceremony Holds Today

{08-07-2024} The Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation (MoCD) in partnership with the Office of the Head of Civil Service and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI), held the 2024 DigSMART Graduation today at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Center of Excellence (GI-KACE).

The programme was aimed at enhancing digital skills among civil and public servants to mark a significant step in Ghana’s journey toward a digitally empowered public sector.

The Honourable Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful (MP), highlighted the programme’s origin in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its alignment with the Government of Ghana’s Digital Economy Policy.

“Fast Track Digitisation was a strategic response to the challenges posed by the pandemic. Enhancing the digital skills of our government workforce is vital, and the DigSMART programme was born from this vision,” she said.

The DigSMART initiative has made significant strides since its launch. The inaugural programme saw 170 participants from Six Ministries and three Departments, achieving a 70% graduation rate and notable improvements in digital skills among 81% of learners.

Building on this success, the 2024 DigSMART Scale-Up was launched in February, expanding to 830 participants from 42 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This year’s programme featured weekly online training sessions, monthly physical sessions, and new training centres in Accra, Sunyani, and Bolgatanga, making the training accessible nationwide.

“Our targets were ambitious: an 80% participation rate, 80% graduation rate, at least 50% female representation, and at least 60% of participants applying their newfound knowledge to their work. Today, I am proud to announce that we have met and exceeded these targets,” Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful (MP) stated.

During the graduation ceremony, graduates shared inspiring stories of how the DigSMART training has already transformed their work. Many spoke about new efficiencies in their departments and the integration of advanced digital strategies, including Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT).

“The Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation remains committed to driving Ghana’s digital agenda, ensuring that public servants are equipped to lead the nation into an era of digital excellence”, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful (MP) stated.

She urged the graduates to continue applying their new skills and inspire their colleagues. “Your dedication and commitment to embracing digital transformation have set you apart as leaders in our journey towards a digital future. Let us work together to build a digitally empowered Ghana”, she concluded.

A Director from the Ministry of Finance, recounted how the digital strategy module enabled her team to streamline financial reporting processes, saving valuable time and resources.

Another Director from the Ministry of Education highlighted the impact of digital governance training on improving educational management systems.

The ceremony showcased some digital projects developed by the graduates, demonstrating practical applications of their training. These projects ranged from innovative public service apps to enhanced data management systems, underscoring the transformative potential of digital skills in public administration.

The Chief Director of the Office of the Head of Civil Service (OHCS), Ms. Eunice Osae, challenged the graduates to translate this knowledge into some digital innovations that will lead to improve service delivery.