A recent study by Tiika et al. (2024) titled “Evaluating E-Government Development among Africa Union Member States: An Analysis of the Impact of E-Government on Public Administration and Governance in Ghana” published in the journal of Sustainability shows that e-government development has significantly progressed in some African countries, including Ghana, due to the alignment of digital strategies with national policies.
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e-government development in Africa, particularly Ghana, has significantly advanced through digital strategy alignment with national policies.-Tiika et al. 2024
The article examines the evolution and influence of e-government initiatives among African Union member states, with a particular emphasis on Ghana. It explores the transformative potential of e-government in enhancing public administration and governance through the integration of digital strategies aligned with national development policies. Utilizing a mixed-methods research design, the study analyzes secondary data through the TOPSIS method and collects primary data via interviews. The findings reveal that several African countries, including Ghana, have achieved notable progress in e-government implementation, fundamentally reshaping public administration and governance. The study underscores the importance of interagency collaboration and effective data-sharing frameworks to sustain these advancements, further improving public service delivery. It also highlights the critical role of e-government in modernizing governance practices and fostering efficiency within public institutions.
How the Study was Conducted
The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data to provide a comprehensive analysis of e-government development among African Union member states, with a focus on Ghana.
Quantitative analysis
The authors employed secondary data sourced from the UN e-Government Report for sixteen African Union member states based on their e-government performance. The Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method was used for multi-criteria decision making (MCDM). This method evaluates alternatives based on their relative similarity to an ideal solution. The evaluation was based on key indicators such as online services, e-participation, human capital development, telecommunications infrastructure development, e-government development, and open government development. Various software packages, including Triptych package, SANNA-2014, and TOPSIS Solver, were used for the analysis.
Qualitative Analysis
The authors employed primary data through semi-structured interviews with thirty individuals from the private and public sectors, academia, and civil society. Purposive sampling was used to select respondents based on their expertise in Internet governance and public administration. The interviews were conducted during the Ghana Internet Governance Forum, allowing participants to share in-depth knowledge and experiences. The qualitative data were analyzed to understand the impact of e-government on public administration and governance in Ghana.
What the Authors Found
The authors found that e-government development has significantly progressed in some African countries, including Ghana, due to the alignment of digital strategies with national policies. The integration of technology in Ghana’s public sector is reshaping public administration and governance. The authors also found that some African countries have made notable advancements in e-government, which has positively impacted public administration and governance.
Why is this important?
Improved Public Service Delivery: By adopting e-government, public services can become more efficient, accessible, and transparent. This can lead to better service delivery for citizens, reducing bureaucracy and improving satisfaction.
Enhanced Governance: E-government can enhance governance by promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation. This can help build trust between the government and its citizens.
Economic Development: The integration of digital strategies can drive economic development by creating new opportunities for businesses and improving the overall business environment.
Policy Development: The study provides valuable insights for policymakers on how to develop and implement effective e-government strategies. This can help in shaping policies that support sustainable development and good governance.
Interagency Collaboration: The research highlights the importance of interagency collaboration and data-sharing mechanisms. This can lead to more coordinated and effective public administration.
Sustainability: By focusing on long-term sustainability, the study emphasizes the need for continuous investment in e-government infrastructure and policies. This can ensure that the benefits of e-government are sustained over time.
What the Authors Recommend
- The authors emphasize strengthening interagency collaboration: To achieve long-term sustainability, it is crucial to foster interagency collaboration and data-sharing mechanisms between the public and private sectors. Breaking down silos will promote efficient service delivery.
- The study recommends continued investment in e-government infrastructure and policies is essential. This includes upgrading technological capabilities and ensuring reliable internet connectivity.
- Comprehensive training programs for public officials in digital competencies are necessary. Empowering public officials will enable them to effectively manage e-government systems and ensure efficient public service delivery.
- The authors also advocate for establishing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to regularly assess the effectiveness of e-government initiatives. Key performance indicators should be aligned with e-government objectives and reviewed periodically to make informed policy adjustments.
- In addition, the study recommends launching public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the benefits of using e-government services, which can enhance adoption and trust in e-government platforms.
In conclusion, the study underscores the transformative impact of e-government on public administration and governance in African countries, particularly Ghana. The alignment of digital strategies with national policies has proven to be a catalyst for significant progress in enhancing service delivery, transparency, and citizen engagement. However, for these advancements to be sustainable, continued investment in infrastructure, interagency collaboration, and training programs for public officials is essential. By fostering these elements, African nations can build resilient, efficient, and inclusive governance systems that not only benefit the public sector but also drive economic growth and development across the continent.
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