The Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adam Sukparu, has urged Information Technology (IT) and Information Management professionals in Ghana’s Civil Service to take on more strategic roles in driving the country’s digital transformation agenda.
He said the increasing reliance on technology, data and artificial intelligence (AI) in public administration required IT and information management professionals to move beyond traditional technical functions and become active contributors to digital governance.
Mr Sukparu made the call on behalf of the Sector Minister, Samuel Nartey George, at the 7th General Meeting of the Information Technology and Information Management Association of Ghana’s Civil Service.
He said effective information management was essential to ensuring that government data was properly managed, protected, shared and utilised to support evidence-based decision-making, accountability and improved public service delivery.
According to him, the growing integration of AI and other data-driven technologies into government operations had made the quality, integrity, accessibility and security of public-sector information increasingly critical.
He said Ghana was making progress in its digital transformation through investments in digital public infrastructure, broadband connectivity, digital financial services, electronic government platforms, cybersecurity and innovation.
Mr Sukparu noted that these efforts were being supported by national policies and legislative frameworks covering the digital economy, data protection and electronic transactions, alongside reforms aimed at keeping Ghana’s digital laws responsive to emerging technologies.
He said the Government was also advancing the implementation of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy while reviewing existing sector legislation and developing new legal frameworks to address emerging digital realities.
The Deputy Minister said digital transformation was ultimately about changing how government operates, improving institutional collaboration and delivering public services that were more efficient, transparent, responsive and citizen-centred.
“Digital transformation succeeds because of people,” he said, stressing that professionals were responsible for designing, maintaining and continuously improving the digital platforms, information systems, networks and services used by government and citizens.
He therefore encouraged IT and Information Management professionals to regard themselves as “architects of Ghana’s digital future” rather than merely technology officers.
He said their expertise had direct implications for critical sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, justice, local governance and public financial management.
Mr Sukparu also urged members of the Association to prioritise continuous professional development, lifelong learning, research and collaboration with universities, development partners and other professional bodies.
He said such collaboration would help professionals remain relevant as technology continued to evolve rapidly.
The General Meeting also focused on institutional governance, including the review of the Association’s constitution, election guidelines and election code of conduct.
Mr Sukparu said strong professional institutions depended on effective governance, accountability, transparency and shared values.
He commended the Association’s leadership for efforts to strengthen the organisation and provide a platform for professionals to collaborate, share knowledge, mentor younger practitioners and contribute to Ghana’s digital transformation.
He further called for greater unity among IT and Information Management professionals across ministries, departments and agencies, saying this could help establish common standards, promote best practices and strengthen government-wide digital transformation.
Mr Sukparu reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service and the Association to strengthen digital governance across the Civil Service.
He said the Ministry would continue to support initiatives in innovation, cybersecurity, interoperability, AI readiness, digital inclusion, digital skills development and resilient digital infrastructure.
He also encouraged members to actively participate in the Association’s activities and help build an organisation anchored on fairness, inclusiveness, transparency, professionalism and ethical conduct.
