DPC raises concerns over calls to name evacuated Ghanaians

The National Data Protection Commission has pushed back against growing calls for the government to publicly disclose the personal information of individuals who were recently evacuated from South Africa.

In a press statement released on October 20, 2026, the Commission noted that calls for the government to release the names, signatures and financial records of about 1,964 individuals would not be tolerated.

According to the statement, the demands, particularly from the Minority in Parliament, could put the individuals whose details are contained in the records at risk.

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“The publication of identifiable personal information, particularly in circumstances involving individuals who have faced threats to their safety, raises concerns about exposure to unwarranted public scrutiny, identity theft, fraud and other forms of harm,” the statement noted.

The Commission further acknowledged the importance of parliamentary oversight, transparency, the right to information and press freedom.

However, it stressed that the legitimate pursuit of public accountability does not automatically justify the unrestricted disclosure of identifiable personal information.

“The Commission recognises the importance of transparency, parliamentary oversight, the right to information and freedom of the press. However, the legitimate pursuit of public accountability does not automatically justify the unrestricted disclosure of identifiable personal information,” it stated.

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The Commission further called on the Minority in Parliament, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and media houses to exercise due diligence in their respective handling, disclosure and publication of the said records.

“Accordingly, the Commission calls upon the Minority Caucus of Parliament, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Joy News and other media houses to exercise due diligence in their respective handling, disclosure and publication of the records concerned.

“All parties are urged to take appropriate protective measures within their respective responsibilities, including the immediate restriction or redaction of publicly accessible personal identifiers whose continued disclosure is not lawfully justified,” the statement added.

JHM/AM

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