COVID-19, E-GOVERNMENT AND THE FUTURE OF REMOTE WORKING IN GHANA

    ABSTRACT   Aim of the study: The primary objective of the study was to interrogate the nexus between COVID-19, e-government and the future of remote working in Ghana.  In short, the paper examined how e-government was deployed to ensure the continuity of work in Ghana at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and discussed the future of remote working in the context of the e-government apparatus. Design/Methodology: The study was purely qualitative. Data triangulation approach was used as data were sourced from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data was obtained through interviews with both employers and employees as well as clients. Secondary data were collected from book chapters, journal articles and official publications and documents of entities. Data analysis was done using content analysis based on which themes were extracted. Findings: The findings of the study revealed that Ghana started implementing e-government strategies prior to the COVID-19, specifically from 2017 which included; digital national identification system, Ghana Post GPS digital addressing system etc. However, it witnessed massive boost during the pandemic. Government-to-government, government-to-citizen and government-to-employee were the main models of e-government implemented. Specific e-government apparatus implemented were e-justice system, Ghana Learning TV and Radio, iCampus, iBoxes, Learning Management Systems like SAKAI, Paperless Port System, Integrated Customs Management System. These strategies were further supported by the rolling out of virtual public offices It allowed workers to connect and coordinate from afar. Over 300 different agencies have had non-departmental tasks, like payroll, digitised thanks to the rollout of smart workplace technologies. Socio-cultural and the communal system in Ghana, low level of ICT infrastructure, and capacity, unethical work values, and high cost of data among others were found to be key dynamics to undermine the future of remote working in Ghana   Practical implications: The study showed that the traditional system of work (employees working from a fixed physical location) is threatened in times of emergencies, pandemics and disasters hence the need for alternative(s) which is the use of digital technology. However, the alternative is not the total panacea because of the identified Achilles’ heel above. The paper therefore recommends a hybrid approach where the physical and the remote systems of work exist in tandem while addressing the weaknesses of e-government. Originality and value: This paper contributes to the embryonic literature on COVID-19, e-government and remote working as it does not only discuss the three variables in isolation but the linkage. It also interrogates the measures that institutions adopted to remain in operation at the height of the pandemic and examined whether the strategies are enduring. The conclusion drawn and recommendations showed that e-government is a good strategy for service delivery worth pursuing but full benefits can only be realized when the underlying challenges are addressed by initially having champions of change to canvas for the “virtual state”.  Keywords:COVID-19, remote working, e-government, Ghana