Introduction

In a significant step toward accelerating digital transformation in Ghana, the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation (MoCDTI), in partnership with the World Bank and the Ministry of Finance, successfully concluded the Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the Ghana Digital Acceleration Project (GDAP). This nine-day evaluation, held from December 1 to 9, 2025, aimed to assess progress, identify challenges, and refine strategies to maximize the project’s impact on Ghana’s digital economy.

The review underscores Ghana’s commitment to leveraging digital innovation, cybersecurity resilience, and AI competitiveness to drive economic growth and improve public service delivery. This article delves into the key findings, strategic priorities, and future roadmap of the GDAP, offering insights into how this initiative is shaping Ghana’s digital future.

Key Points

Background

The Ghana Digital Acceleration Project (GDAP)

The Ghana Digital Acceleration Project (GDAP) is a flagship initiative designed to propel Ghana into a digitally driven economy. Launched with support from the World Bank, the project aims to enhance digital inclusion, modernize government services, and transform strategic sectors through technology. Key components of the GDAP include:

• Digital Inclusion and Safety: Ensuring equitable access to digital tools and resources while promoting online safety.
• Modernization of Government Services: Digitizing public services to improve efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement.
• Digital Transformation of Strategic Sectors: Integrating digital solutions into critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture.

The Role of the World Bank

The World Bank plays a pivotal role in funding and guiding the GDAP, providing technical expertise and financial resources to ensure the project’s success. The Mid-Term Review is a critical milestone, allowing stakeholders to evaluate progress, address bottlenecks, and realign strategies with Ghana’s medium-term digital transformation goals.

Analysis

Assessment of Implementation Progress

The Mid-Term Review provided a comprehensive assessment of the GDAP’s implementation, highlighting both achievements and areas requiring improvement. Key findings included:

• Digital Inclusion: Progress has been made in expanding access to digital tools, but challenges remain in reaching underserved communities.
• Government Service Modernization: Significant strides in digitizing public services, though procurement delays have slowed some initiatives.
• Sectoral Transformation: Strategic sectors such as healthcare and education have begun integrating digital solutions, but scalability remains a concern.

Identification of Bottlenecks

The review identified several bottlenecks hindering the GDAP’s progress, including:

• Procurement Delays: Slow procurement processes have impacted the timely execution of project activities.
• Safeguards Compliance: Ensuring adherence to environmental and social safeguards has been a complex but necessary challenge.
• Alignment with National Goals: Some project activities required realignment to better match Ghana’s evolving digital priorities.

Strategic Realignment

One of the most significant outcomes of the Mid-Term Review was the realignment of the GDAP with Ghana’s updated digital priorities. The government, led by Hon. Sam Nartey George, outlined new focus areas, including:

• AI Competitiveness: Strengthening Ghana’s position in the global AI landscape through investment in research and development.
• Cybersecurity Resilience: Enhancing national cybersecurity frameworks to protect critical digital infrastructure.
• Digital Public Services: Accelerating the rollout of citizen-centric digital services to improve accessibility and efficiency.
• Last-Mile Connectivity: Expanding internet access to remote and rural areas to bridge the digital divide.
• Data Center Upgrades: Modernizing data infrastructure to support digital transformation initiatives.

Practical Advice

For Policymakers and Government Agencies

• Expedite Procurement Processes: Implement streamlined procurement procedures to avoid delays in project execution.
• Strengthen Safeguards Compliance: Ensure all project activities adhere to environmental and social safeguards to maintain World Bank funding and support.
• Prioritize High-Impact Interventions: Focus on initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes within the project timeline.

For Businesses and Digital Entrepreneurs

• Leverage Digital Opportunities: Align business strategies with Ghana’s digital transformation goals to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
• Invest in Cybersecurity: Strengthen cybersecurity measures to protect digital assets and customer data.
• Engage with Government Initiatives: Participate in public-private partnerships to contribute to national digital projects.

For Citizens and Digital Users

• Embrace Digital Services: Utilize digitized public services to benefit from improved efficiency and accessibility.
• Enhance Digital Literacy: Develop skills to navigate digital tools and platforms effectively.
• Advocate for Inclusion: Support initiatives that promote digital access for underserved communities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Ghana Digital Acceleration Project (GDAP)?

The GDAP is a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at accelerating Ghana’s digital transformation by enhancing digital inclusion, modernizing government services, and transforming strategic sectors through technology.

What were the main objectives of the Mid-Term Review?

The review aimed to assess implementation progress, identify bottlenecks, and realign the project with Ghana’s updated digital priorities to maximize impact.

Who led the Mid-Term Review?

The review was led by Stephen Davenport, the World Bank Task Team Leader, along with senior specialist Natalija Gelvanovska-Garcia and key Ghanaian government stakeholders.

What are the new strategic priorities for the GDAP?

The government has prioritized AI competitiveness, cybersecurity resilience, digital public services, last-mile connectivity, and data center upgrades.

How will the GDAP benefit Ghanaian citizens?

The project will improve access to digital services, enhance cybersecurity, create digital job opportunities, and bridge the digital divide, ultimately improving the quality of life for citizens.

Conclusion

The conclusion of the Mid-Term Review of the Ghana Digital Acceleration Project (GDAP) marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s journey toward digital transformation. By addressing implementation challenges, realigning strategic priorities, and fostering collaboration between the government and the World Bank, the GDAP is poised to deliver high-impact results that will propel Ghana into a digitally advanced future.

As the project moves forward, stakeholders must remain committed to expediting procurement, ensuring safeguards compliance, and prioritizing citizen-centric digital services. With continued focus and collaboration, the GDAP will play a crucial role in shaping Ghana’s digital economy, enhancing cybersecurity, and creating opportunities for all citizens.