New CitizenApp is a lifetime digital platform for every Ghanaian - Bawumia reveals

The Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has revealed that the newly launched CitizenApp is a lifelong digital platform that will be useful to all citizens, from birth throughout their lifetime.

Speaking at the launch in Accra on Monday, October 7, 2024, Dr. Bawumia said the app, an amalgamation of all digitalized public service delivery on one platform, is aimed at expanding the digital experience of citizens.

"Today, we take a bold leap forward with the launch of the CitizenApp. The CitizenApp is a comprehensive digital platform designed to centralize and enhance interactions between the government and citizens," Dr. Bawumia said.

"With this single, unified, user-friendly platform, we are consolidating public services to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and convenience for all citizens and residents of Ghana."

While highlighting the uses and benefits of the app, Dr. Bawumia said the app has been built for a lifetime digital experience for Ghanaians.

"If you want to pay your utility bills, make payments for local assembly tolls and charges, including market and parking fees, get digital addresses for locations across Ghana, track, book, and pay for intercity transport, or change your name after marriage, you can do all of that in one place on your mobile phone," Dr. Bawumia said of the app.

"Now, let me take you on a journey of how this app can serve every Ghanaian throughout their lifetime—from the cradle to the grave. 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," Dr. Bawumia explained.

"As this child grows, the CitizenApp continues to be their companion. When they reach the age of travel, the process of applying for a passport is quick and painless, thanks to the online portal, which eliminates long waits and excessive paperwork."

"Fast forward to when this young adult is ready to enter the workforce. Finding employment is made easier through the app. Job seekers can create profiles, browse opportunities in both the public and private sectors, and match with potential employers, making job searches more efficient and transparent."

Dr. Bawumia further explained that once the person lands a job, the CitizenApp facilitates SSNIT enrollment, automatically linking it with salary payments.

"This ensures that their social security benefits are seamlessly set up, eliminating the need to visit multiple offices to get enrolled," he added.

The CitizenApp, Dr. Bawumia explained, also makes the process of obtaining or renewing a driver’s license hassle-free.

"When it comes time to meet civic duties, such as filing taxes, the CitizenApp will be there to help. The app links a citizen’s digital ID and tax identification number, making the tax filing process not only faster but more accurate, reducing errors and ensuring compliance with ease," noted the Vice President.

"In healthcare, citizens will benefit from the app’s ability to handle National Health Insurance enrollment and renewals. With instant verification linked to the Ghana Card, there’s no need for cumbersome paperwork or visits to the NHIS offices. Your health insurance is always up to date, ensuring access to healthcare whenever needed."

"For aspiring entrepreneurs among us, registering a business is no longer a bureaucratic headache. Through the CitizenApp, data is shared across agencies like the Registrar General’s Department, streamlining the business registration process and allowing new businesses to get off the ground faster."

"When it’s time to update personal information after marriage, the app makes changing your name simple. The process is digitally integrated with other systems such as passports and IDs, allowing for a smooth transition."

"And even in the sad event of a loved one’s passing, the app provides support. Death certifications can now be processed digitally, helping families manage the necessary legal formalities with ease, without multiple visits to various government offices during an already difficult time."

"This cradle-to-grave story illustrates how the CitizenApp Data Interoperability System is designed to support every Ghanaian at every stage of life. From birth certificates to passports, from job searches to business registration, from tax filing to social security benefits, and from health insurance enrollment to death certificates—the CitizenApp simplifies it all," Dr. Bawumia stressed.

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