Dr Bawumia and the Gen Z

The language of the modern day youth–popularly referred to as the Gen Z–is technology. In a metaphorical sense, it will be no exaggeration to state that they eat, sleep and drink technology mostly through digital plat­forms. For the most part, their lives are circumscribed by digital tools, networks and platforms. To put it in their language, they love to go online.

Their major modus operandi in the conduct of their daily lives is mostly through digi­tal platforms on their mobile phones. The use of modern applications or apps in almost every facet of life is ubiquitous. This is something that must be encouraged through the use of robotics, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and other tech tools to help make life better, easier and bring operational efficiency to everyday life.

If the young people of this country want a candidate who understands digital technolo­gy and has a natural affinity, proclivity and disposition to­wards spurring new technology through digital tools, that candi­date is Mr Digitalisation. If the young people of this country want a candidate that speaks the language of digitalisation, your guess is as good as mine. If the young people of this country want a candidate, who just like them sees digitalisation and technological determinism as an indispensable tool for national life, once again, most Ghanaians would point to Mr Digitalisation in the person of Dr Bawumia.

Digitalisation will spur devel­opment. It will bring efficiency to every sector of national life. It will enhance productivity in every area of our lives: the economy, agriculture, health care, justice delivery, sports, business and education. There is no area of national life that digitalisation would not im­prove dramatically. In fact digitalisation would dramatically improve our lives, spurring economic growth, generating more revenue for infrastructural development and put money in our pockets.

For those looking forward to becoming entrepreneurs and owning their own businesses, digital technology will open new markets and bring higher profits. In essence digitalisa­tion is a strategic tool that can remarkably change our lives and usher us into a new world of possibilities across time and space. With this digital inno­vation young people can build their own companies based on their divergent skills and God- given talents with the potential for worldwide exposure.

No one in Ghana–from any and all political divides–will disagree that Dr Bawumia is the foremost emissary, advocate and prognosti­cator of the digitalisation agenda within the politi­cal space. In fact, his opponents have often mocked and assailed him for seemingly “straying” from his first love of economics and international devel­opment to a tech apostle in the form of digitalisation.

New technology, digital edu­cation and digital tools are what our young people need most. It will open doors to infinite op­portunities for the youth of this country. It will provide limitless job opportunities both in Gha­na and internationally. In fact, digitalisation is that x factor that can bridge both time and space by enabling around the clock work while at the same time enabling young people to work for big tech and multina­tional companies, businesses and organisations right from their rooms and cubicles in Ghana for companies abroad.

Digitalisation, just like edu­cation, is a wonderful leveller with the increased potential and advantage of taking many out of poverty.

Digital systems are what our country needs if we want to be­come truly modernised and catch up with the rest of the world. Digi­talisation drives innovation. Innovation is what will change the world, improve our commu­nities and improve lives.

Digitalisation will give our young people and nation a com­petitive edge anywhere in the world. It will put our nation at the forefront of global develop­ment. It will usher in a new era of mind blowing possibilities if we are ready to embrace and mainstream it as a way of life– the digital culture.

And the great thing about it is that there is no sector that will not benefit from digitalisation. For instance, today churches, pastors and the religious com­munity are appropriating digital technology in many aspects of their affairs whole reaching larger audiences and making the gospel more accessible.

Our nation stands at a critical juncture in national life. To make quantum leaps we must be willing to take giant strides, banish fear amd embrace technology. Digitisation is a catalytic force that can help to spur economic growth, increase revenue and generally bring im­provements to every sphère of national life. We either embrace it or risk being left behind.

For young people this is a candidate who understands your world and your need to remain plugged in. By embrac­ing new ideas, new technology, digital tools and gaining digital literacy (in any shape or form) especially in this fast paced era, characterised by artificial intelligence and emerging mech­anisms, you open yourself to a world of unbound possibilities and dreams. Above all, digiti­zation is also empowering. It equips the youth with the right tools to have the full Gen Z experience, participate meaning­fully as a young person and to fulfil divine purpose, potential and aspirations.

The writer is an Associate Professor of Political Communication and Media Studies.

BY PROF. ETSE SIKANKU