By Mabinty M. Kamara
Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, on Friday launched his government’s digital strategy with an announcement of the introduction of the DNA sequencing technology in the country.
He said the technology would help solve social problems like paternity disputes, warning men in the habit of impregnating women and girls only to abandon them to beware of the development.
“We have lots of runaway dads who impregnate women and run away or do not associate with them at all. But we have a technology for you now. You cannot hide from your deeds. It’s a scientific proof that connects you to the human being and we are 99% sure of its accuracy. So don’t run away if by mistake you happen to do such. So, the best thing you should do is hands off our girls”, Bio said as part of his keynote address.
Among other things, the DNA sequencing technology can also be used to solve crimes like rape. Semen of a suspected perpetrator is tested and compared to the one found at the crime scene or in the victim.
The technology was designed for Sierra Leone by the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), which is behind the formulation of the National Innovation and Digitalization Strategy.
The weekend launch witnessed the display of several other technological development realized in the last one year since the launch of the Directorate, including an integrated map of crucial private and government infrastructure across the country.
President Bio said the new strategy was part of a broader vision for the country to embrace the future.
“We believe that technology and innovation is the answer to the myriads of questions to the growth and development of our nation. We can use technology to bring corruption to an end in this country and develop the country we call Sierra Leone,” he said.
He noted that efforts by the country to embrace digitalization had attracted international support, with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation donating US$750, 000 to the DSTI.
“That tells you we are being acknowledged beyond our borders. I want to use this occasion to thank the Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation for such a generous donation,” he stated.
Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, Chief Innovation Officer and Director of DSTI reechoed the President’s vision for a fully digitalized Sierra Leone, noting that technology could be used to improve service delivery in the country.
“Today is about our future, a future where the name Sierra Leone is synonymous with innovation, a future where children of Sierra Leone can access quality learning materials, one that people can access quality and affordable health care service from trained and qualified health staff. Through Innovation and technology, we can as well solve the bread and butter issues of the common man in Sierra Leone.” he said.
© 2019 Politico Online
