Digital Trust Takes Center Stage at National ICT Week Conference

As Ghana strides forward on its digital transformation journey, trust in digital systems is becoming a cornerstone of the nation’s technological future. On the third day of the National ICT Week celebrations, the spotlight turned to this critical issue, as the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) hosted a dynamic conference on “Digital Trust” at the Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT.

The event was more than just a gathering—it was a call to action for all stakeholders in the digital ecosystem. Attendees were urged to reflect on how trust can be built and maintained in Ghana’s burgeoning digital landscape, where the adoption of new technologies hinges on the confidence of users.

Opening the conference, the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful (MP), set the tone with a powerful message. She highlighted the urgent need to enhance consent management practices, stressing that as Ghana embraces rapid digital advancements, it is imperative to ensure that data protection laws are not just in place, but actively enforced to safeguard individual privacy.

“Our digital future depends on the trust we build today,” she remarked, encapsulating the spirit of the event.

The discussions took a deep dive into the intricacies of consent management—a concept that is becoming increasingly complex in the digital age.

Mr. Richard Okyere-Fosu, Director General of NITA, tackled these challenges head-on, exploring the philosophical and practical difficulties of obtaining and managing consent, especially within the framework of Ghana’s data protection laws. His insights underscored the delicate balance between embracing innovation and protecting personal data.

The conversation then shifted to cybersecurity, with Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Director General of the Cyber Security Authority, highlighting the critical intersection between consent management and data security. He underscored the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect personal data from unauthorized access and breaches, a concern that resonates deeply in today’s digital world.

Adding a global perspective, Mr. Biju Varghese, Executive Vice President of eMudhra, brought attention to the fintech and payments systems sector, emphasizing the importance of clear and informed consent in digital financial transactions. He warned that while technological innovations offer tremendous benefits, they also introduce significant risks that must be carefully managed.

The event also featured a thought-provoking panel discussion with leading experts, including Teki Akuetteh, Esq., Executive Director of Digital Rights Hub LBG; Mrs. Audrey Mnisi Mireku, Risk and Cyber Security Executive of the Ghana Bankers Association; Nhyiraba Yaw Sompa, Esq., from Sompa and Partners; and Martin Kwame Awagah, President of the Ghana Fintech and Payments Association. The panel delved into issues of transparency, user control, and security in consent management, offering practical solutions and forecasting future trends in data protection.

Closing out the day, Solomon Richardson from NITA’s Technical Services Division gave an insightful presentation on the establishment of a certifying authority, underscoring its importance in bolstering digital trust in Ghana.