Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, has called for stronger accountability in the handling of personal data, warning that the consequences of misuse extend beyond financial loss.
Speaking at the recent Data Protection Conference, George stressed that privacy breaches can erode public trust, expose individuals to security risks and undermine confidence in digital systems.
He noted that as governments and institutions accelerate digital transformation, the responsibility to safeguard personal information must remain a priority.
“Personal data represents people’s identities and livelihoods. When it is mishandled, the damage goes far beyond regulatory fines,” he indicated.
Trust at the Centre of Digital Growth
George emphasized that trust is essential for the success of digital services, including e-government platforms, financial technology solutions and telecommunications systems. Without strong data protection safeguards, he warned, citizens may become hesitant to engage fully in digital platforms.
He further highlighted the need for institutions to adopt responsible data collection practices, ensure secure storage systems and maintain transparency in how information is used.
Call for Accountability
The Minister underscored the importance of compliance with data protection laws and encouraged institutions to treat privacy not merely as a legal requirement but as a governance responsibility.
He stated that enforcement mechanisms must be strengthened to ensure that organizations that fail to comply with regulations are held accountable.
