IBM To Help Ghana With Blockchain for Efficient Service Delivery in Land Sector

By Kapil Gauhar

IBM is coming to Ghana’s aid when it comes to helping them out with the use of blockchain. As of recent reports, the government of Ghana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IBM to facilitate the use of new age technology for efficient service delivery in the land sector, by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

Going by the MoU, IBM’s engineers and technicians will be seen supporting government institutions in Ghana to use blockchain technology in handling logistics at the port, improving transparency, sharing information, as well as reducing fraud.

The MoU was officially signed at the Accra Marriot Hotel during the Ghana-US Business Forum on Thursday and had Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the United States Secretary of Commerce, Ambassador Wilbur Ross as witnesses.

Mr. John Peter Amewu, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources represented the Government of Ghana, while Madam Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh, the Country Director of IBM-Ghana, represented IBM.

Mr. Takreem EL-Tahomey, the General Manager of IBM in charge of the Middle East and Africa, was confident that there will be a smooth integration of the blockchain technology in Ghana. He ensured the issuance of White Paper for the implementation plan.

The Government of Ghana, led by Akufo-Addo has been open to adopting new technology to build a database as an information ecosystem for economic management. Certain new policies were introduced by the government to create the fiscal space to allow initiatives that will increase the growth of the economy and they also brought about institutional reforms through digitization and use of electronic platforms.

Programmes such as the online business registration, certification and license renewals, ongoing issuance of the national identification cards were rolled out by the Government. Furthermore, they brought about the digital address system, the establishment of credit referencing bureau with concomitant effects on the cost of credit, and mobile money interoperability system to fast-track economic growth. This new association with IBM will benefit the country greatly.