Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament, Samuel Nartey George, asserted on Saturday, May 30, that the government’s digital legislation process has been transparent, refuting claims of secrecy. He stated that extensive stakeholder consultations have occurred since the initial publication of draft bills, with updated versions consistently shared with engaged parties.
The ongoing debate centers on a series of proposed digital governance laws. Mr. George emphasized that stakeholders who failed to participate in the early stages of consultation should not now accuse the ministry of a lack of openness.
Extensive Consultation and Legal Review
Speaking on the program Newsfile, Mr. George detailed the rigorous process undertaken to draft and review the legislation. He revealed that four law firms have been engaged to support the drafting and review, working in tandem with technical experts to evaluate stakeholder feedback.
“We receive the input, the technical team reviews it and makes recommendations, after which the lawyers examine the proposals against the Constitution and other legal frameworks before producing a revised draft,” he explained. This multi-stage approach aims to ensure the bills are legally sound and responsive to input.
The ministry has highlighted engagements with various groups, including technology industry leaders, civil society organizations, and the National Media Commission, as evidence of its commitment to transparency. Mr. George specifically mentioned that the National Media Commission submitted a memorandum on what is now known as the Information Integrity and Digital Communications Bill.
“If you did not raise an issue when the first draft was published and consultations were ongoing, how can you now claim the process has not been transparent?” he questioned, suggesting that emerging concerns from previously disengaged parties are being raised late in the process.
Addressing Licensing Requirements
Mr. George also addressed specific concerns regarding proposed licensing requirements for entities providing services to government institutions. He reiterated the government’s stance that such entities will need to obtain certification from the National Information Technology Agency (NITA).
He clarified that this is not a new restriction but a standard regulatory requirement. “We have been very clear on that issue. If you offer a service to government, you will need to be licensed and certified by NITA because that is the standard process,” he stated.
The MP stressed that the ministry has conducted multiple rounds of consultations. He argued that the legislative process should not be unduly delayed by stakeholders who are only now voicing concerns about proposals that have been publicly available for months.
Implications and Future Outlook
The government’s defense of its legislative process comes as the digital landscape continues to evolve rapidly. The proposed laws aim to establish a framework for digital governance, which could significantly impact how technology companies, civil society, and government interact online.
For businesses operating in the digital space, particularly those providing services to government, the clarification on NITA certification signifies a need for proactive engagement with regulatory requirements. The emphasis on transparency, while debated, suggests a move towards more structured oversight in Ghana’s digital sphere.
The ongoing public discourse highlights the critical balance between fostering innovation and ensuring robust digital governance. As these bills progress, the government’s ability to demonstrate continued transparency and incorporate legitimate stakeholder feedback will be crucial in building trust and ensuring the legislation effectively serves the nation’s digital future. Future rounds of discussion and potential amendments will be closely watched by industry players and the public alike.
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