Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, has outlined an ambitious legislative agenda aimed at transforming the country’s digital infrastructure and legal landscape to match the demands of the 21st-century global economy.
Speaking at the second quarter update of 2025, the Minister revealed sweeping reforms that will not only upgrade the legal framework governing ICT in Ghana but also provide a fertile environment for innovation, investment, and digital trust.
According to Hon. Sam George, a key priority of his tenure is the modernisation of Ghana’s ICT legal framework in line with international best practices.
“The review is now complete, and we have initiated a process of drafting 15 new technology laws, including the Data Protection Amendment bill, the Cyber Security Regulations, the Ghana Startup Act, the Digital ID Regulation, and new frameworks on AI, cloud services, digital trade, and platform governance.”
Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George
He emphasised that the ministry will work hand-in-hand with Parliament to ensure the timely passage of these critical bills, noting that the reform process aims to strike a balance between digital security and fundamental freedoms. “This is about building a digitally resilient Ghana that is also inclusive and democratic,” he said.
Ghana Startup Bill
A cornerstone of this legislative overhaul is the Ghana Startup Bill, which the Minister described as one of the most transformative pieces of legislation for the country’s innovation ecosystem.
Submitted in March 2025, the bill has since undergone extensive stakeholder consultations, both at the zonal and national levels, confirming widespread consensus on its core provisions.
The bill, now in its final legal drafting phase, is expected to be laid before Cabinet and subsequently Parliament for approval before the end of 2025.
Once enacted, the Ghana Startup Act will offer legal clarity and a formal registration regime for startups, as well as tax incentives, targeted reliefs, and streamlined compliance mechanisms tailored for innovation-driven enterprises.
“Ghana’s advancement on this legislation sends a clear signal to local and international investors. We’re building a competitive, investor ready digital economy driven by local entrepreneurship and innovation”.
Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George
Ghana to Host Global Entrepreneurship Festival
As a testament to Ghana’s growing stature in the global innovation space, the Minister announced that the country will host the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Festival in November.
The festival, which attracts more than 10,000 participants from over 70 countries and over 100 exhibitors, is expected to bring together venture capitalists, angel investors, tech CEOs, and industry leaders in a three-day event designed to forge partnerships and spotlight Ghana’s most promising startups.
On the digital governance front, the Minister disclosed that the National Anti-Misinformation and Disinformation Bill is nearing completion. This draft legislation is intended to address the deliberate creation and dissemination of false or harmful digital content.
It seeks to provide legal tools for statutory agencies to act decisively, while preserving the sanctity of free expression.
“Let me be clear, we will not clamp down on the freedom of expression; that will be respected. However, where your right to free expression ends, your duty not to misinform begins.”
Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George
The bill is expected to be laid before Parliament during its ongoing session and reflects the government’s effort to create a digital environment rooted in accountability, civic trust, and responsible discourse.
National Artificial Intelligence Strategy
In keeping with global technological trends, Hon Sam George noted that the Ministry is also championing the development of a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
According to him, two high-level stakeholder forums were held in April 2025 in partnership with the Responsible AI Lab at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the British High Commission, and GIZ’s Fair Forward initiative.
These consultations, he noted, brought together government entities, academia, industry actors, and civil society organizations to co-develop the strategy, which aligns with both African Union standards and international benchmarks.
Having completed its legal review, the AI strategy is expected to be presented to Cabinet and launched in the third quarter of 2025.
The document lays the foundation for building an ethical, inclusive, and secure AI ecosystem, and aims to position Ghana as the leading AI hub in Africa by 2028.
Hon. Sam George further disclosed that legislation focused on emerging technologies—including the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and machine learning—is currently in the pipeline.
According to him, these laws when passed will help chart a clear regulatory path for Ghana’s participation in cutting-edge technological domains.
The Minister also reminded the public of a landmark deal signed in the second quarter of the year between Ghana and the United Arab Emirates, which will see the establishment of Africa’s largest AI and Innovation Hub in the country.
Valued at $1 billion, the project is already in motion and is expected to serve as a continental magnet for AI research, innovation, and development.
Through this bold legislative and institutional agenda, the Minister indicated that Ghana is positioning itself as a continental leader in the digital economy, demonstrating both vision and resolve in ensuring that technology serves as a catalyst for inclusive national development.
READ ALSO: Ghana Pays $300 Million to Eurobond Holders, Boosting Investor Confidence
