The Minister for Communications, Digital Innovation, and Technology, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, has announced a comprehensive review and overhaul of the country’s existing digital legislative and regulatory frameworks.
Speaking at a press briefing, the Minister described the current legal structures governing the Ministry as “museum pieces,” emphasizing the urgent need to align Ghana’s digital environment with contemporary global standards.
“The current state of the legislative environment of the ministry is as follows: the Kofi Annan Center of Excellence in ICT has no establishment act. Ghana Telecom Act of 2003; the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission Act of 2003, Act 649; the Electronic Communications Act of 2008, Act 775; the Electronic Transactions Act of 2008, Act 772; and the National Communications Authority Act of 2008, Act 769.
“Again, the Data Protection Act of 2012, Act 843 and the Cybersecurity Act of 2020, Act 1038. Our legislative framework is between 17 to 21 years old. That’s why I said our legislation should be in a museum and not running a technology ministry.”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communications, Digital Innovation and Technology
He revealed that most of the legislative texts currently guiding operations are relics of a time when digital innovation and technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain were either in their infancy or non-existent.
To bridge this glaring gap, the Ministry is undertaking a holistic redrafting of these outdated laws to ensure they not only reflect today’s realities but also anticipate future developments.
The revised laws, according to Hon. Sam George, will create a transparent and enabling environment that fosters innovation, attracts investment, safeguards consumer interests, and promotes sustainable technological growth.
The Minister expressed confidence that the new legislative instruments would be ready for presentation before Parliament during its next session, marking a pivotal step towards building a digitally resilient economy.
Ghana Innovation and Start-up Bill
As part of the broader legislative reforms, the Minister noted that Ministry has also intensified consultations with key stakeholders across the innovation ecosystem.
Led by the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), these engagements have sought to consolidate views on the draft Ghana Innovation and Start-up Bill.
Hon. Sam George disclosed that the engagements have culminated in the development of a comprehensive roadmap to finalize this crucial piece of legislation.
Once passed, the Ghana Innovation and Start-up Bill will establish a robust legal and regulatory framework designed to empower start-ups, attract much-needed investment, stimulate innovation, and create sustainable jobs, ultimately driving long-term economic transformation.
“This landmark legislation is essential to scaling solutions that can generate jobs and power our economy’s growth into the future.”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communications, Digital Innovation and Technology
Hon. Sam George extended gratitude to the Directors of the Ministry and partner organizations whose support and collaboration, he said, have been instrumental in achieving these milestones within a remarkably short period.
Touching on broader national priorities, the Minister referenced President John Dramani Mahama’s pre-election promise to formulate a National Digital Transformation and Emerging Technology Strategy.
This strategy is envisioned to provide ethical, forward-looking guidance for the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, blockchain, and other emerging technologies critical for development.
Following the President’s directive, the Ministry has made the formulation of this strategic framework a top priority.
Hon. Sam George assured Ghanaians that the Strategy would be geared towards safeguarding national interests while ensuring that digital tools are ethically integrated into the country’s broader developmental agenda.
“Our work is not merely about regulation but about vision. We must prepare our country not just to participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, but to lead in aspects of it.”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communications, Digital Innovation and Technology
Hon. George’s initiative, therefore, signals a new era for Ghana’s digital policy landscape — one defined by forward-thinking governance, strategic partnerships, and an unrelenting commitment to building a future-ready economy.
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