Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has hinted that all the 15 tech industry legislations being reviewed will eventually result in one comprehensive “umbrella law” called the Digital Economy Act, which will provide a clearer framework for the country’s fast-growing digital and emerging technology sector.
Speaking during an engagement with ICT industry stakeholders on the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) Bill, the Minister said the proposed legislation would help define the relationship between all 15 legislations, including even the new ones like the Emerging Technologies Bill and the Startup Bill and the wider digital industry ecosystem.
According to him, the Digital Economy Act would be a one-stop-shop law where various sub-sectors of the industry can find laws that relate to their work and which regulatory bodies they to deal with regarding what.
That, he said, will create the necessary central institutional and regulatory structure to guide innovation, professional standards and accountability within the sector.
“The Digital Economy Act would for instance, spell out what the intersection between the Emerging Technologies Bill is with our industry and frame it better,” he said.
Mr George compared the proposed framework to established professional structures in other sectors, particularly accountancy, banking, engineering, marketing, public relations and others, where practitioners operate under recognised regulatory and certification systems.
He explained that while an individual may graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, becoming a chartered accountant requires additional professional certification and recognition within a regulated framework that connects both government and the private sector.
Drawing parallels with the digital economy, the Minister emphasised the need for professionals in technology and innovation to demonstrate recognised competence, credibility and accountability through certification, accreditation or peer recognition systems.
He noted that employers and clients must be assured that individuals providing digital services have met accepted professional standards.
Mr George also referenced the public relations profession, where practitioners attain professional standing through membership and fellowship arrangements under bodies such as the Institute of Public Relations Ghana.
He said similar structures would strengthen trust and professionalism in Ghana’s digital and emerging technology industry while supporting innovation and investment in the sector.
The Minister’s remarks form part of ongoing discussions around Ghana’s digital transformation agenda and efforts to develop regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies and the broader digital economy.
