Government is deploying the Smart Workplace virtual platform to enable all public sector workers to work remotely as a measure to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
The platform, under the auspices of the Communications Ministry, through the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), captures all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
In 2018, government begun piloting of the virtual Smart Workplace solution but the deployment was accelerated because of the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is designed to enable public sector workers to work remotely to reduce personal contact, curb the spread of Covid-19 and ensure the safety of public servants and their clients.
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So far, some 300 government agencies, including the Ghana Health Service, are on the platform as NITA facilitates the onboarding of the next batch of agencies.
The Smart Workplace solution has over 19 features and several benefits, key among which is the single access point to all resources that allows seamless interfacing with the internal systems of all MDAs and MMDAs.
The key features include Microsoft Teams (video conferencing), Document Management, Enterprise Email, Calendar, Electronic Memos and Correspondence Management.
Other features include Corporate News/Announcements, Enterprise Search, Task Management, Knowledge Management and Workflow Automation.
It also has features like Business Intelligence and Analytics, Timesheet, Project Monitoring, Business Application Access, Notifications, Survey, Media Gallery and Mobile Access.
Government’s Smart Workplace platform can also automate manual business processes such as leave schedules, vehicle and payment requests, as well as stores requisitions.
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The Communications Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has urged all public servants to utilize the platform, which is supported by government for use by all public institutions, especially during the pandemic period.
“Changing our way of doing things is not easy but with practice, we will become more comfortable using these digital tools, and at such a time as this, Smart Workplace will help with the transition safely, without sacrificing speed and efficiency,” she said.
She called on all public institutions to give NITA the necessary support to ensure a successful implementation of the project.
NITA will submit forms to all MDAs and MMDAs for collation of information which will be used for onboarding of institutions onto the Smart Workplace platform.
The forms are also available on NITA’s website.
