Government recognizes transformational power and potential of ICT – Ursula

The Minister for Communication and Digitalisation, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has emphasized the significance of giving the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) a Legislative Instrument (LI) to help with Information Communication Technology (ICT) ability to transform society and its potential power.

She said the draft LIs will serve as the fundamental elements for a strong regulatory environment that promotes innovation, protects the rights and interests of all stakeholders, and takes important topics into account such as digital infrastructure, apps, systems, innovation, and e-commerce.

She made this known when NITA organised stakeholder conference to review the draft content of two Legislative Instruments (LIs) for the NITA Act, 2008 (Act 771) and the Electronic Transactions Act, 2008 (Act 772).

“In our increasingly interconnected world, the significance of technology cannot be overemphasised. This Government recognizes the transformational power and potential of ICT and has set ambitious goals of becoming an inclusive, progressive digital hub in our region, ensuring that no citizen is left behind. The draft LI’s will lay the foundation for a robust regulatory framework that nurtures innovation, safeguards the rights and interests of all stakeholders, and addresses crucial domains such as digital infrastructure, applications, systems, innovation and e-commerce. Working in collaboration with other relevant agencies too, data protection and cybersecurity for both the public and private sector will be enhanced as they all play essential roles in achieving these overarching objectives.”

She added, “The objective for the establishment of NITA as an agency to regulate the provision of information communication technology, ensure the provision of quality information communication technology, promote standards of efficiency and ensure high quality of service.”

“It is pertinent to acknowledge that legislation alone cannot bring about the desired transformation. It is only through our collective efforts and close collaboration with all stakeholders that we can establish the right legal and regulatory framework to achieve the desired transformation. The successful implementation and widespread adoption of these legislative instruments can only facilitate this process. Each of you, representing diverse sectors and industries, brings a wealth of expertise and perspectives to this endeavour and it is this diversity that will enable us craft an ecosystem that best serves the interests of our nation and facilitates the growth of this critical sector.”

The Director General of NITA, Mr. Richard Okyere-Fosu on his part expressed how important the exercise is, not only to the Agency and the government, but also to all players and consumers in the ICT sector.

He said, “NITA has existed for 15 years without these key legislative instruments (LIs) which are considered essential operational tools needed for NITA to function fully and effectively”.

“We want to hear the voices, we want to consult with them and get their opinion on what we are trying to do with the LI, and as you said Ghana is a country of laws, NITA was established by a law, the NITA Act, act 771 and in fact, electronic transaction act is also one of our underlying acts, act 772, these were the primary acts and typically by law after you bring the primary legislation you must come up with the secondary legislation to help you with your operations”.