By Barbara Dede Okai-Tettey
Barbara Dede Okai-Tettey, Senior Manager, Compliance at Stanbic Bank Ghana, has called on organizations to prioritize employee data security and ensure regulatory compliance, stressing that both are critical components of sustainable business success.
Ms. Okai-Tettey made these remarks during a webinar with the theme “Securing Employee Data: Navigating Regulatory Compliance,” which was organized by SeamlessHR. The discussion focused on the evolving importance of embedding data privacy principles into business processes to safeguard sensitive information.
Highlighting the importance of a strategic approach to data privacy, Ms. Okai-Tettey said, “Organizations must ensure that roles responsible for managing data are clearly defined and controlled. This extends to integrating data experts into the early stages of process development or automation.
If data privacy considerations are embedded from the outset, organizations are better positioned to navigate regulatory requirements effectively. It’s essential to treat data privacy as a key component throughout the entire lifecycle, rather than an afterthought.”
She further elaborated on the necessity of having data privacy experts as decision-makers within companies, noting that, “Data privacy must have a prominent voice in decision-making processes. As organizations evolve and adapt, data privacy professionals should play an active role in ensuring that privacy concerns are addressed early and consistently. Their expertise ensures that data security is not overlooked or undermined in favour of operational convenience.”
To create an organizational culture that values data security, Ms. Okai-Tettey urged companies to build comprehensive frameworks that include robust control mechanisms. “Understanding data privacy laws is just the first step. It is critical to establish a compliance risk management plan that outlines the controls available to mitigate risks and meet regulatory expectations,” she said.
She stressed the importance of accountability within these frameworks, saying that organizations need clear documentation of the individuals responsible for maintaining data privacy, as well as defined reporting structures in the event of an issue.
“Under the law, it’s not enough to simply collect data; consent must be obtained from the data subjects, and strict controls must be in place to ensure that the data is protected throughout its lifecycle.
This includes measures to restrict access to sensitive information internally. Organizations must document their entire data management process, including the responsible units and the monitoring and reporting mechanisms that track compliance. This documentation is crucial for building a culture of data privacy and security that permeates the entire organization,” she added.
Ms. Okai-Tettey concluded by emphasizing that a strong culture of data security is essential for organizations seeking to thrive in a regulatory environment. “When data privacy and security become integral to the organizational culture, it influences every level of the company. This fosters a mindset that prioritizes the protection of sensitive information, ensuring compliance and trust in an increasingly data-driven world,” she remarked.
