As part of efforts to simplify access to government services, a new app known as the Citizen App Data Interoperability System (CADIS) has been introduced to revolutionize citizen interaction with state institutions.
The app, available on both iOS and Android platforms, aims to provide citizens with a one-stop shop for a range of government services, including business registration, tax filing, utility bill payments, and license applications.
The app’s key feature is its ability to bypass the traditional bureaucratic hurdles that often plague citizens when dealing with government agencies. By directly connecting to the databases of state institutions, the app allows users to complete forms and submit documents digitally, eliminating the need for physical visits.
Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia underscored the pivotal role of the newly launched Citizen App in the country’s ongoing digital transformation efforts, emphasizing its potential to streamline public services and enhance economic progress.
Dr. Bawumia highlighted that digitalization is now a cornerstone of Ghana’s economic strategy, saying, “We recognise the transformative power of digital innovation to create jobs, boost productivity, and foster wealth creation.”
According to the Lead Integration Officer at Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Opoku Afriyie-Asante, the app has been designed to streamline processes, with automated security features and a unified login system using the Ghana card.
“The app is also integrated with the ghana.gov platform, so you are also able to make payments for any services that you want as well,” he noted.
Mr. Afriyie-Asante also emphasised the importance of data security and privacy, assuring that the app complies with the Data Protection Act and access to sensitive information is tightly controlled, with state institutions required to follow a specific process to request and verify data.
In his address at the launch, Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam hailed the App’s launch as a significant step in Ghana’s journey towards digital empowerment, indicating that the platform symbolizes the future of governance and economic transformation in our country.
He mentioned that the Citizen App will allow for real-time monitoring and tracking of financial data, empowering the government to manage resources more effectively and transparently.
The Finance Minister noted that one of the key areas where the Citizen App is expected to make an immediate impact is tax administration. By simplifying the entire taxpayer process, the platform aims to increase tax compliance and provide the government with more fiscal space to invest in critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure.
“The Citizen App is not just about technology; it’s about empowering every single Ghanaian to be a part of this new digital ecosystem. We are setting the stage for a more prosperous and inclusive Ghana, driven by the power of technology and data,” he said
Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Ms. Julie Essiam, also added that the new citizen app promises to be a game-changer, providing Ghanaians with a seamless and convenient way to interact with various government agencies.
Through the app, the public can now access services such as passport applications, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) transactions, and tax-related processes without the need for repetitive data entry or lengthy queues.
“This is a new era, Ghana is the only country in Africa that has implemented this app, and we are now rubbing shoulders with developed markets like Estonia, the US, and Dubai in terms of technological advancements,” she noted.
