Ghana launches CitizenApp to enhance service delivery

Ghana has launched the CitizenApp, a digital platform to improve access to public services.

The CitizenApp is intended to enhance access to government services, allowing issue reporting and real-time updates on public matters.

Launched by the country's Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the CitizenApp will allow users to pay utility bills, settle local assembly fees, obtain digital addresses, book intercity transport and update personal information.

Bawumia said that the CitizenApp's data interoperability system is establishing a digital framework to link all government agencies, facilitating seamless data flow, enhancing data sharing, and boosting the efficiency of government services.

Ghana goes digital

Ghanaian citizens and residents will have access to the app, which will connect them to public notices, job openings from public and private organizations, and all services from the government.

"From the moment a child is born, parents can now apply for a birth certificate with ease, without the need for multiple trips to government offices. The digital system allows for faster processing, giving parents more time to focus on their newborn instead of worrying about paperwork," Bawumia added.

The CitizenApp is further evidence of the Ghanaian government's desire to move towards being a fully digital entity.

The CitizenApp will allow users to pay utility bills, settle local assembly fees, obtain digital addresses, book intercity transport and update personal information. (Source: Image by wirestock on Freepik)

In January 2024, the country announced that applications for utility services like electricity would going forward only be accepted through its mobile application – this included new services, separating meters or adding additional loads.

In February 2024, Ghana's Rent Control Department (RCD) announced plans to digitize its operations, enabling house owners, tenants and the department to conduct transactions through a dedicated online portal.

In July 2024, the country launched a mobile app called "Maintain My Road" and a call center as part of an enhanced road maintenance program. The app allows users to upload pictures and descriptions of road defects and tag their exact location using GPS.

In its efforts to register unregistered SIMs, the country in August 2022, launched a self-service SIM registration app called GH SIM SELF REG on the Google Play Store.

How to sign up for CitizenApp

The CitizenApp is available on both the iOS and Google Play Store.

To sign up, Ghanaians are required to have a Ghana Card ID number. There are three ways to access and sign up on the CitizenApp.

Firstly, citizens are required to enter their Ghana Card number on the login screen and select the "Verify Ghana Card" button.

Secondly, Ghanaians then enter their phone number tied to their Ghana Card and select the "Send SMS Code" button. Then they will receive an OTP code they will need to enter on the next screen.

Finally, after entering the OTP, users should be redirected to the home screen where they will be presented with a virtual representation of their Ghana Card and other features.

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— Matshepo Sehloho, Associate Editor, Connecting Africa