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Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, has called for collaborative efforts from stakeholders in the digital industry to influence the future of Ghana‘s digital landscape and that of Africa. Speaking at the National Data Centre and Cloud Computing Regulatory Framework Validation workshop in Accra, the Minister emphasized the need for a comprehensive framework governing different types of data, ensuring security and proper storage.
She highlighted Ghana’s accelerated efforts in digitizing its economy and positioned the country as a leader in driving the digital agenda on the continent. Data, she noted, is becoming a vital resource for governments, businesses, and individuals in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, underscoring the importance of a well-defined regulatory framework.
“We are at critical times, and our collective efforts are needed to shape the future of our nation’s digital landscape and the continent as well,” said Minister Owusu-Ekuful. The workshop aimed to enrich the regulatory framework and provide valuable insights for other members of the Smart Africa alliance and the continent.
The Minister acknowledged Ghana’s legal regulatory framework’s resilience, especially the Electronic Transactions Act, supporting various digital initiatives. The government’s investments in infrastructure development, connectivity, data centres, digital payment infrastructure, electronic IDs, and security infrastructure were highlighted to bolster the country’s digital economy.
Thelma Efua Quaye, Director of Digital Infrastructure, Skills, and Empowerment of Smart Africa, identified the lack of harmonized regulations across the continent as a primary challenge. To address this, Smart Africa adopted a phased approach, starting at the national level, with plans to expand regulations into a harmonized framework for the entire continent.
Richard Okyere-Fosu, Director General of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), announced the agency’s plans to roll out specific regulations in collaboration with Smart Africa. The objectives include improving service quality, aligning Ghana’s ecosystem with international standards, and protecting consumers. He assured stakeholders that NITA’s approach to regulation is not profit-oriented but aims to stimulate the market and expand business opportunities while supporting the nation’s digital revolution.
