Ghana Advances Digital Security with Establishment of New Data Protection Authority
The Data Protection Commission (DPC) in Ghana has announced a new Governing Board, tasked with developing a national data governance framework to support the country's digital economy and AI strategies.
The new Governing Board, chaired by Ms. Teki Akuetteh, includes distinguished members such as Dr. Joseph Whittal from the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Ing. Dr. Mark Oliver Kevor from the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), Dr. Arnold Kavaarpuo, the Acting Executive Director of the DPC, Mr. David Maxwell Bessah from the Ghana Statistical Service, Dr. Adonoo Patrick Lebene, Dr. Zakaria Mumuni representing the Bank of Ghana, Hon. Alexander Roosevelt Gabby Hottordze, Member of Parliament, Mr. Sena Kudjawu, and Mr. Salifu Suleman representing the National Communications Authority.
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations in Ghana, mandated the development of this framework as a crucial step towards securing Ghana's digital future and enhancing its digital infrastructure and AI capabilities.
The national data governance framework is intended to build on Ghana's existing Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843), which governs data protection in the country but has had enforcement and awareness challenges. The new framework will likely address these gaps by setting clearer guidelines and stronger compliance mechanisms tailored to the demands of data governance in the context of digital economy growth and AI development.
The framework development process has involved broad multi-stakeholder engagement, including government agencies, startups, academia, telecoms, and civil society, reflecting a development-focused strategy to leverage AI and data governance to attract international investment and position Ghana as a forward-looking digital economy hub. While this approach prioritizes growth and innovation, it also involves balancing issues of data privacy, security, and sovereignty.
In addition to the national data governance framework, the new DPC Governing Board has been tasked with supporting the implementation of the forthcoming Data Harmonization Act. This Act aims to consolidate national data silos into a secure, centralized data exchange platform.
Ms. Akuetteh, Chair of the Governing Board, has pledged the board's commitment to the Minister's vision, stating that data protection must become a core pillar of Ghana's digital future. The new Governing Board, with its diverse and experienced members, is poised to steer Ghana towards a secure and prosperous digital future.
[1] Ghana Web [2] Modern Ghana [3] Citinewsroom [4] B&FT Online
- The new Governing Board, tasked with developing a national data governance framework, will need to consider cybersecurity measures to ensure the protection of data and cloud computing resources in the context of Ghana's growing digital economy and AI strategies.
- Amidst the development of the national data governance framework, it's crucial for the Governing Board to engage with policy-and-legislation experts to ensure that the legal framework for data protection aligns with global best practices and the evolving digital landscape.
- As Ghana positions itself as a digital economy hub, general-news outlets will closely follow the progress of the national data governance framework, focusing on its impact on data privacy, security, and sovereignty, as well as its potential for attracting international investment.
- The announcement of the new DPC Governing Board has sparked debate in politics regarding the role of technology in Ghana's digital future, with many emphasizing the importance of a secure and transparent data governance framework that prioritizes both innovation and responsible data management.
