The Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Andrews Asiamah Amoako, has called for stronger national control over identity, data and digital systems, warning that sovereignty in the digital century now extends far beyond territorial boundaries.
Speaking on behalf of the Speaker of Parliament at the 2026 Data Protection Conference in Accra, Mr. Amoako said the traditional understanding of sovereignty has evolved significantly. In today’s digital era, he explained, sovereignty must also encompass control over personal data, digital identity systems and the technological infrastructure that records and preserves the memory of a nation.
Identity as a Sacred National Asset
Mr. Amoako stressed that identity cannot be trivialized, describing it as sacred and fundamental to how citizens and nations are remembered. Drawing on African traditions, he noted that identity has historically been safeguarded through customs, symbols, policies and oral traditions that transmitted history, authority and governance across generations.
These mechanisms, he said, ensured unity, resilience, responsibility and continuity — values that must now be protected within digital systems.
He described digitalization as a compelling and unavoidable force reshaping institutions and societies. However, he argued that the key issue is not whether Ghana should digitize, but whether the country will deliberately govern its digital transformation or merely react to its consequences.
Critical Questions on Data Governance
The Deputy Speaker posed pressing governance questions: Who determines how data is collected? Where is it stored? Who analyzes and monetizes it? And who ensures accountability when digital systems fail or citizens suffer harm?
While acknowledging that data flows seamlessly across borders, he pointed out that many countries are still developing the technical capacity required to effectively manage complex digital ecosystems. He cautioned that infrastructure and capacity limitations must not become excuses for inaction.
Government and Regulatory Perspectives
The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, also emphasized the importance of building trust and protecting citizen data as Ghana advances its digital agenda.
He described data generated through mobile money, banking, health records and other digital services as a critical national resource that must be governed responsibly to sustain fairness, public confidence and economic growth.
The Executive Director of the Data Protection Commission, Dr. Arnold Kavaarpuo, highlighted the need to continually update Ghana’s legal and regulatory framework to address emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, biometrics, digital identity systems and cross-border data transfers.
He stressed that enforcement actions must remain transparent and aligned with national policy objectives and broader economic governance priorities.
Building Trust in Ghana’s Digital Future
Held under the theme “Your Data, Your Identity: Building Trust in Ghana’s Digital Future,” the conference brought together policymakers, regulators and industry leaders to deliberate on privacy, accountability and digital sovereignty in an increasingly interconnected world.
By Sampson Kumah Ifeetwube Elvis
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