Accra, Sept 4, GNA – The Local Government Service has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Celltel Networks Limited.
This is to strengthen its information technology infrastructure and accelerate the digital transformation of local government administration.
The Head of the Local Government Service, Professor Lord Mensah in a speech during the ceremony, said upgrading the Service’s technology infrastructure was critical to improving efficiency and enabling it to deliver faster and more effective services to citizens.
He said the partnership would also support the development of the smart city concept, which he believed could create new opportunities under the government’s 24-hour economy agenda.
Professor Mensah explained that the initiative went beyond connecting local government offices, with plans to establish a technology hub for local government services.
According to him, the hub would provide opportunities for young people to acquire digital skills while allowing citizens to access public services conveniently through technology.
He identified waste management and other municipal services as key areas that could benefit from the digital transformation.
“We are moving from disconnected offices and traditional service delivery to a smart and seamless system of delivery,” Professor Mensah said.
He stressed the importance of continuously building the capacity of Local Government Service staff to enable them to adapt to the rapidly changing technological environment.
Professor Mensah said achieving the objective would require sustained collaboration between government institutions and the private sector, describing Celltel Networks Limited as a strategic partner in the initiative.
He therefore called on stakeholders to embrace the partnership and contribute to its successful implementation.
Digital system could boost revenue
The Lead of Celltel Networks Limited, Dr Prince Kofi Kludjeson, said the technology system should not only improve the efficiency of the Local Government Service but also create opportunities for revenue generation.
He explained that an effective digital system could improve the delivery of local government services while establishing sustainable mechanisms for generating revenue to support operations and development.
Dr Kludjeson expressed confidence that the partnership would improve the efficiency of local government institutions and enhance the quality of services delivered to citizens.
The initiative is expected to contribute to the digital transformation of local government administration through improved connectivity, enhanced workforce capacity and increased accessibility to government services.
The partnership forms part of broader efforts to leverage technology to modernise public service delivery and position local government institutions to respond more effectively to the needs of citizens in the digital era.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba