Dr Bawumia and the Gen Z
The language of the modern-day youth–popularly referred to as the Gen Z–is technology. In a metaphorical sense, it will be no exaggeration to state that they eat, sleep and drink technology mostly through digital platforms. For the most part, their lives are circumscribed by digital tools, networks and platforms. To put it in their language, they love to go online.
Their major modus operandi in the conduct of their daily lives is mostly through digital platforms on their mobile phones. The use of modern applications or apps in almost every facet of life is ubiquitous. This is something that must be encouraged through the use of robotics, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and other tech tools to help make life better, and easier and bring operational efficiency to everyday life.
If the young people of this country want a candidate who understands digital technology and has a natural affinity, proclivity and disposition towards spurring new technology through digital tools, that candidate is Mr. Digitalization. If the young people of this country want a candidate who speaks the language of digitalization, your guess is as good as mine. If the young people of this country want a candidate, who just like them sees digitalization and technological determinism as an indispensable tool for national life, once again, most Ghanaians would point to Mr Digitalization in the person of Dr. Bawumia.
Digitalization will spur development. It will bring efficiency to every sector of national life. It will enhance productivity in every area of our lives: the economy, agriculture, health care, justice delivery, sports business and education. There is no area of national life that digitalization would not improve dramatically. In fact digitalization would dramatically improve our lives, spurring economic growth, generating more revenue for infrastructural development and putting money in our pockets.
For those looking forward to becoming entrepreneurs and owning their own businesses, digital technology will open new markets and bring higher profits. In essence, digitalization is a strategic tool that can remarkably change our lives and usher us into a new world of possibilities across time and space. With this digital innovation, young people can build their own companies based on their divergent skills and God-given talents with the potential for worldwide exposure.
No one in Ghana–from any and all political divides–will disagree that Dr Bawumia is the foremost emissary, advocate and prognosticator of the digitalization agenda within the political space. In fact, his opponents have often mocked and assailed him for seemingly “straying” from his first love of economics and international development to a tech apostle in the form of digitalization.
New technology, digital education and digital tools are what our young people need most. It will open doors to infinite opportunities for the youth of this country. It will provide limitless job opportunities both in Ghana and internationally. In fact, digitalization is that x-factor that can bridge both time and space by enabling around-the-clock work while at the same time enabling young people to work for big tech and multinational companies, businesses and organizations right from their rooms and cubicles in Ghana for companies abroad.
Digitalization, just like education, is a wonderful leveller with the increased potential and advantage of taking many out of poverty.
Digital systems is what our country needs if we want to become truly modernized and catch up with the rest of the world. Digitalization drives innovation. Innovation is what will change the world, improve our communities and improve lives.
Digitalization will give our young people and nation a competitive edge anywhere in the world. It will put our nation at the forefront of global development. It will usher in a new era of mind-blowing possibilities if we are ready to embrace and mainstream it as a way of life– the digital culture.
And the great thing about it is that there is no sector that will not benefit from digitalization. For instance, today churches, pastors and the religious community are appropriating digital technology in many aspects of their affairs whole reaching larger audiences and making the gospel more accessible.
Our nation stands at a critical juncture in national life. To make quantum leaps we must be willing to take giant strides, banish fear and embrace technology. Digitization is a catalytic force that can help to spur economic growth, increase revetement lives and generally bring improvements to every sphère of national life. We either embrace it or risk being left behind.
For young people, this is a candidate who understands your world and your need to remain plugged in. By embracing new ideas, new technology, and digital tools and gaining digital literacy (in any shape or form), especially in this fast-paced era, characterized by artificial intelligence and emerging mechanisms, you open yourself to a world of unbound possibilities and dreams. Above all, digitization is also empowering. It equips the youth with the right tools to have the full Gen Z experience, participate meaningfully as a young person and to fulfil divine purpose, potential and aspirations.
The writer is an Associate Professor of Political Communication at the Ghana Institute of Journalism, Author of the books “Dr Bawumia and the Modern Vice Presidency” & “The Afrocentric Obama”.