The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Elizabeth Naa Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey, has reaffirmed the Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s commitment to leveraging technology for urban development and governance.

Speaking at the 2024 International Conference on Tech Trends and Future Careers (TECUPRO) held at the Accra Technical University (ATU) on Thursday, August 15, 2024, she highlighted the importance of technology in creating sustainable, efficient, and inclusive urban environments.

Hon. Sackey praised the collaboration between ATU and Finland’s Vaasa University of Applied Sciences, emphasizing the importance of international partnerships in driving innovation and expressed excitement about Ghana’s embrace of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, particularly through its Digitalization Agenda spearheaded by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

The Mayor outlined several key initiatives spearheaded by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to enhance service delivery through technology including the implementation of digital governance and e-services platforms that streamline administrative processes, such as business registrations and building permits, which reduce the need for in-person visits.

She stated that while the system was not yet fully digitized, it had significantly improved accessibility for residents.

Narrating Accra’s journey toward becoming a smart city, the Mayor noted that the AMA had launched projects focused on using data and technology for improved urban management.

Key areas of focus she said include traffic management and waste monitoring, aimed at reducing congestion and optimizing waste collection routes, prioritizing sustainable development, employing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for better land use and encouraging renewable energy solutions.

Addressing the challenges of transforming Accra into a tech-enabled city, she acknowledged that the process would be gradual stressing the importance of educating and sensitizing the public to appreciate the potential of a smart city fully.

The Mayor also expressed her eagerness to partner with Accra Technical University and other stakeholders to promote technology-driven solutions for economic productivity and governance.

She noted that the AMA was committed to continuous improvement and innovation, underscoring the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and government in shaping the future of cities.

Business Development Manager of Ghana Digital Centers Limited, Edward Aikins emphasized the AMA’s efforts to train and prepare the youth for the digital economy. Aikins noted that the AMA is working closely with the Ghana Digital Centers to provide digital skills training, including coding for school children, as part of its commitment to digital transformation.

Head of the BSC program at the University of Vaasa, Mr. Koljonen Janne and Managing Director for Wärtsilä Marine & Power Services Nigeria, Mr. Yusuff Wale made a presentation on Advancing Sustainable Maritime with AI/ML Enhanced-Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing and Navigating the Energy Transition: The Role of Natural Gas and Decarbonisation Strategies at Wartsila (Via Zoom) respectively.

The conference, which brought together stakeholders from the tech industry and academia, aimed to explore the intersection of technology and governance, with a focus on future career opportunities.