By Doreen AGLAGO-COFIE
Countries around the world have witnessed rapid advancements in digital transformation and have developed several policies to shape the ever-growing space. Like the rest of the world, Ghana has undergone development in its digital transformation sector and enacted policies to positively impact its digital economy.
These policies cover several productive areas such as infrastructure, digital literacy, cybersecurity, emerging technologies and ensure that Ghana remains competitive in the global digital space. This article highlights some major policies and their relevance within their respective sectors.
ICT for Accelerated Development Policy (ICT4AD) (2003)
Ghana’s digital journey took shape with the ICT for Accelerated Development Policy (ICT4AD) in 2003. This foundational policy integrates Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into national development strategies and focuses on governance, education, health, and economic growth.
The policy’s strategic focus is to “simultaneously target the development of the ICT sector and industry as well as use ICT as a broad-based enabler of development goals, with emphasis on the development, deployment and exploitation of ICTs to aid the development of all other key sectors of the economy.”
Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843)
Data protection is another key component of Ghana’s digital transformation. The Data Protection Act, enacted in 2012, governs the collection, processing, and storage of personal data and enforces compliance through the Data Protection Commission. This Act is essential for businesses handling customer data, government agencies protecting citizen data in digital transactions, and individuals who benefit from stronger privacy protections. The Act empowers citizens by making them aware of their data rights and ways to protect these rights.
Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038)
Cybersecurity has also become a priority for Ghana. To further strengthen cybersecurity measures, Ghana passed its Cybersecurity Act in 2020. This Act regulates cybersecurity activities and protects critical information infrastructure (CII) by establishing the Cyber Security Authority (CSA). It enforces cybercrime prevention measures, ensures child online protection, and creates a Cybersecurity Fund. The Act strengthens national cybersecurity resilience for the government, mandates compliance for the private sector, and ensures a safer online environment for children and young users.
National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy
The National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy provides a roadmap for protecting digital infrastructure, preventing cyber threats, and enhancing cybersecurity awareness. This policy was unveiled during the 2024 National Cybersecurity Awareness Month by the then Minister of Communication and Digitalization and offers a clear focus and roadmap to steer the development of Ghana’s cybersecurity over the next five years. The policy is important for businesses, as it protects organizations from cyber threats and data breaches. The financial sector benefits from strengthened security in digital transactions and fintech operations, while individuals gain safer online interactions and better personal data security.
Electronic Communications Act (Act 775)
The Electronic Communications Act of 2008 governs Ghana’s telecommunications and electronic communications sectors. It provides a framework for the regulation of telecom services and ensures that providers adhere to fair practices, maintain quality service, and operate transparently. The Act also emphasizes consumer protection by establishing mechanisms for resolving complaints and ensuring that users are not exploited. Additionally, it outlines provisions for spectrum management, e-commerce, and digital transactions, which are essential for promoting a secure and accessible digital environment.
A key focus of the Act is on enhancing cybersecurity and safeguarding personal data and recognizes the growing importance of these issues in a digital age. The Act ensures that these standards are enforced and contributes to the sustainable development of Ghana’s digital landscape through the establishment of the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Cyber Security Authority.
Electronic Transactions Act, 2008 (Act 772)
The Electronic Transactions Act aims at facilitating the growth of e-commerce and ensuring the legality and security of electronic transactions. The Act provides a legal framework for the use of electronic records, digital signatures, online contracts, electronic payments and transactions. It establishes the conditions under which electronic transactions are valid and enforceable to ensure that businesses and consumers can engage in digital commerce with confidence. The Act also addresses issues of data protection, confidentiality, and electronic fraud, thereby promoting a secure environment for online activities
Ghana Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2024)
The Ghana Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, launched in November 2024 to succeed the ICT4AD Policy, aims to position Ghana as a digital hub in Africa. The policy hinges on five (5) pillars namely Universal Access and Connectivity, Digital Skills and Research, Digital Government, Digital Entrepreneurship, and Data and Emerging Technologies. For the government, this enhances efficiency in public service delivery through digital platforms such as Ghana.gov. Businesses benefit from encouragement toward digital innovation, while the public gains from expanded digital access and greater inclusion.
National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy (2023–2033) (Awaiting Approval)
Artificial Intelligence has seen rapid advancements globally in the last few years. Like other countries and regions, Ghana started its journey towards the development of a strategy in 2022 to provide direction for the sector’s development. The National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy (2023–2033) is currently awaiting approval and aims to guide AI adoption in Ghana.
This strategy emphasizes ethical AI use, digital skills development, and economic transformation through AI technologies. The tech industry stands to benefit from increased innovation and research, educational institutions gain support for AI education and capacity building, and regulators establish guidelines for responsible AI development and use.
Ghana’s digital policies are shaping the country’s future by ensuring a secure, inclusive, and innovative digital environment. As these policies evolve, they will continue to drive economic growth, enhance governance, and improve the quality of life for citizens. Stakeholders across government, business, education, and the public must stay engaged to maximize the benefits of Ghana’s digital transformation.
>>>the writer is a Technical Advisor at GIZ Ghana supporting public actors on development topics towards the advancement of the Ghanaian Digital sector. Her work focuses on the intersection between Digital transformation and Policy and has supported several projects in space. She can be reached via [email protected] and or https://www.linkedin.com/in/doreencofie/
