Veteran broadcaster and influential Ghanaian media personality, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey Santana, widely known as Abeiku Santana, has expressed his disapproval of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government’s approach to digitalization, calling it “deceptive” and lacking real value for Ghanaians.
In a candid critique, Santana raised questions about the impact of various government-promoted digital initiatives, including apps that he argues have failed to achieve widespread use or deliver tangible benefits to everyday citizens.
Read Also: No Vision, Just Lies-Slim Buster Tears Into Bawumia’s Economic Promises
Speaking on his radio show, Santana addressed the widely discussed Ghana Post GPS app, a navigation tool developed by the NPP government to enhance location services across the country. While heavily promoted, he claimed the app has not reached its intended audience and remains largely unused.
“Ask any Uber or Yango driver if they use that app,” he remarked. “It’s one of those things they advertise as progress, but in reality, it’s not helping anyone. The drivers, who are out there every day, hardly ever rely on it.”
Santana went on to draw parallels with the government’s COVID-19 tracking app, another project launched during the pandemic. “It’s the same tactic they used with the COVID app,” he explained.
“They’ll introduce an app and call it digitalization, but it’s mostly about optics—about showing people a so-called ‘digital Ghana’ that doesn’t deliver meaningful results. We have to ask ourselves: what benefit do these apps really bring to us?”
He also highlighted the broader implications of what he described as Ghana’s limited reach in Africa’s digital and creative markets.
Using Nigeria as a comparison, he noted, “Nigeria is Africa’s biggest music destination, yet they don’t have their own music streaming app.
Have you ever heard of a Ghanaian-made app that Nigerians can use to stream music? It’s a facade.” Santana’s observation sheds light on the challenges of creating successful digital products in Ghana that can compete in larger African markets.
Read Also: 2024 Elections: 7 Reasons Why Many Ghanaians May Prefer Mahama Over Bawumia
These remarks come as the NPP’s emphasis on digital transformation becomes a significant talking point ahead of the upcoming elections.
As the government touts its accomplishments in digitalization, Santana’s concerns serve as a reminder that digital growth must also be practical and beneficial for the average Ghanaian.
However, Santana did not stop at critiquing the government. He also spoke about his vision for how digitalization could be redefined, especially within the creative arts and tourism sectors.
“We have an end-to-end policy, complete with programs and ideas that will transform the creative arts and tourism sectors,” he stated, hinting at a more targeted approach that addresses the unique needs of these industries.
Don’t miss out! Get your daily dose of Entertainment news and more straight to your phone. Join Ghana Street Journal Whatsapp channel now!
