Communications Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has observed that a considerable impact of technological revolution on the Ghana Postal services will turn the fortunes of the sector around.
According to Ursula, during her vetting to become the Minister of Communications, she vowed to “transform” the Ghana Postal sector into a competitive, regionally integrated, world class, customer focused, ICT enhanced service provider which is fundamental to achieving her vision.
Speaking at the launch of the first ever West African Postal Conference (WAPCO) themed: “Enhancing regional integration through digitization; the role of the Posts”, the Minister said the fourth industrial revolution is a phenomenal opportunity for Africa and the ECOWAS region socially and economically.
Stressing her delight about Ghana’s affiliation with WAPCO and her commitment to embracing opportunities of digitalization in the sector, she said, “…In fact, I made a personal commitment when I was being vetted to become Minister to turn around the fortunes of Ghana Post. So now my head is on the line if this digital transformation of Ghana Post does not happen.”
The Communications Minister disclosed that, government recognizes the advantages and benefits of a digital economy and as part of the Ghana Digital Agenda, policy makers are embarking on an ambitious infrastructure development programme for the ICT sector, with a national broadband infrastructure and total connectivity for the unserved and undeserved at the heart of the agenda.
She mentioned some innovative technologies which are transforming the sector and they include radio-frequency identification chips, sensors, personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile internet and global positioning systems or GPS.
Addressing participants on working collaboratively to enhance regional integration through digitization, Managing Director of the Ghana Post, James Coffee, said Ghana Post is ready to take Ghana to the rest of Africa and the world through its e-commerce platform that will soon be launched.
He added that local retailers, through this platform will be access the global market.
He noted that the Ghana Post is now the most reliable channel of delivering letters and has improved in efficiencies in the delivery systems since “we can deliver one touch and we do not have to keep looking for various directions before we find the customer.”
The WAPCO is a conference for postal administrators comprising 15 of the ECOWAS countries as well as representatives from the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and Pan African Postal Union (PAPU), comprising countries such as Morocco, France, and Switzerland.
The aim of WAPCO is to build a single West African postal area with harmonized policy and strategies that will ensure, maintain and enhance cooperation among member states for improved postal services through their mutual relations.
The three-day conference will be attended by representatives from the West African Postal Administration.
