Solomon Owusu, the Director of Communications for the United Party, has criticised aspects of the proposed National Information Technology Agency (NITA) Bill, arguing that parts of the policy framework could slow innovation if not carefully aligned with global practice. He indicated that government efforts to regulate the information technology sector must be balanced with the need to stimulate growth and private sector participation.
He indicated that projections placing the sector’s potential value at five billion dollars raise key questions about the level of state contribution to that growth trajectory. From his view, policy direction should clearly show how government interventions can support digital expansion rather than constrain it.
The United Party Member questioned the benchmarks guiding the policy, stressing the need for consistency with international standards. He further argued that registration requirements for individuals may create operational challenges within the sector.
In his assessment, global comparisons should guide national decisions to avoid policy misalignment. He emphasised that innovation hubs operate differently across jurisdictions, making selective benchmarking essential.
Owusu expressed concern over the requirement for individual registration under the proposed framework, suggesting that it may complicate business formation processes. He stated that regulatory expansion should not undermine the existing business certification system.
He drew attention to the role of the Registrar General’s Department, noting that it holds the mandate for business registration and commencement certification. According to him, overlapping regulatory structures create confusion for entrepreneurs.
“The idea of licensing by various institutions negates that certificate to commence business status. Because then it means you have a certificate to do business, but you need another certificate to actually perform your functions.”
Solomon Owusu
He referenced sector regulators such as the National Petroleum Authority and the Petroleum Commission as examples of overlapping licensing frameworks. He noted that similar structures exist across other regulated industries, including agriculture and commodities.
From his view, the multiplicity of licensing regimes risks slowing down business activation, especially for small operators. He suggested that reforms should prioritise simplification before expansion of regulatory obligations.
The United Party Member stressed that the bill should consider gradual implementation strategies. He said excluding individuals at early stages could allow systems to develop more sustainably.
Critical Sector Regulation Demands Targeted Licensing Approach
Solomon Owusu, in a further discussion on the NITA Bill, urged government to adopt a categorised regulatory system that prioritises sensitive sectors such as cybersecurity and health data management. He explained that regulatory focus should be guided by national security considerations and the sensitivity of data handling responsibilities.
He stated that cybersecurity operations directly affect national security architecture and therefore require strict oversight. He added that sector specific regulation offers a more effective approach than broad based individual licensing.
The United Party Member highlighted that service providers within critical systems should undergo structured registration and licensing processes. He noted that such an approach ensures accountability without unnecessarily restricting entry at the individual level.
He further stated that health-related digital services require strong safeguards due to the sensitive nature of patient information. According to him, data governance in this sector must prioritise protection and reliability.
The politician referenced concerns surrounding the health information system used within public health operations. He pointed to past disputes involving access control within healthcare data systems as evidence of regulatory gaps.
From his view, incidents involving access restrictions at major health facilities highlight the urgency of stronger oversight. He argued that data control systems should not be left entirely in private hands without structured national safeguards.
The United Party Member, OwusuThe politician, questioned the reliance on private entities for long term data storage and management. According to him, government oversight remains the most stable mechanism for safeguarding national digital assets.
He emphasised that data integrity requires institutional continuity beyond commercial cycles. From his perspective, reliance on private operators introduces uncertainty into essential public systems.
He highlighted data sharing practices within telecommunications environments, noting that oversight mechanisms remain weak. He stated that regulatory enforcement should address how personal information circulates within digital ecosystems.
Owusu stated that regulatory reforms should avoid excessive bureaucratic burdens on emerging operators. According to him, licensing frameworks must remain accessible while still protecting national interests.
He added that political transitions may influence regulatory decisions, making safeguards necessary to prevent unfair administrative actions. From his view, a balanced system would protect both innovation and institutional integrity.
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