Deputy Minister of Communication, Vincent Sowah Odotei
President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo in recent times has declared his commitment to building Ghana’s economy beyond aid where all sectors run on “digital wheels” for reaching such fate.
It is on this backdrop that initiatives such as the Digital Addressing System, Paperless Port, Ghana Post, E-registration of businesses amongst others are implemented to boost the fortunes of the economy.
Similarly, the Deputy Minister of Communication, Vincent Sowah Odotei, submitted that digitization will accelerate the economy and as part of ensuring Cyber Security Environment and creating ecosystem, it is important we realize the necessity of data protection.
And that with the revolution of ICT globally, data protection will make our digital space safe since it becomes part of transactions “we do as we give out information”
According to him, the information we disseminate, hold and manage, is crucial and asked Ghanaians to abide by Act 843 and that sooner than later, one could not win a contract or do business if they are not data protection compliant.
He made the statements when he gave out certificates to some 25 persons drawn from some government institutions and trained on data protection compliance within those organizations – Bank of Ghana, SIC, GNPC, Ghana Post, NCA, Security and Exchange Commission amongst others.
And in achieving all these, there is the need to protect data, particularly personal data hence the enactment of the Data Protection Act, Act 843, 2012, which establishes a Data Protection Commission.
Implement and monitor compliance with the provisions of this Act; make the administrative arrangements it considers appropriate for the discharge of its duties; investigate any complaint under this Act and determine it in the manner the Commission considers fair; and keep and maintain the Data Protection Register.
However, Commissioner and Executive Director of Data Promotion Commission, Miss Patricia Poku, mentioned that the agenda is not to sabotage businesses rather cautioned all CEOs to seek legal advice and make it documented.
And that all CEOs must appoint certified practitioners and register with Data Protection Commission (DPC), demonstrate accountability and as well submit data protection compliance report.
