In an effort to modernize its digital infrastructure and regulatory framework, Ghana’s Ministry of Communications and Digitalization has declared that the government will introduce 15 new technology-related bills by the end of 2025. At a high-level workshop in Accra on June 9, regulators, legal experts, industry stakeholders, and civil society representatives were present to make the announcement.
The proposed legislation, according to Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, is intended to assist Ghana in becoming renowned as a leader in Africa’s digital economy. These laws will address crucial issues like data protection, cyber security, artificial intelligence, digital identity, and public ICT regulation.
Building a Safer, Smarter Digital Economy
To ensure successful digital transformation, Minister Owusu-Ekuful stressed the need for legal infrastructure to provide support for innovation and safeguard citizens. She pointed out that Ghana is already utilizing digital services in various fields, including education, health, commerce, and governance. The country’s legal systems have not yet matured enough to handle new threats such as cybercrime, data breaches, and algorithmic bias.
These new rules hold great importance in protecting digital rights, strengthening the country’s cyber security, and creating a predictable environment for both startups and large enterprises. Owusu-Ekuful stated that Ghana is not only creating regulations for current technologies, but also preparing for future innovation by setting high ethical and operational standards.
Stakeholder Collaboration and Legislative Focus
The Ministry has stated that consultations are ongoing, but the names of certain bills have not been made public. Legislation is being prepared through legal drafts to tackle issues such as AI regulation, data usage responsibility, fintech services consumer protection, and ICT procurement framework enhancement within government.
The Electronic Transactions Act and other laws proposed by the Ministry will be updated to reflect contemporary realities. Experts at the workshop emphasized on the need for increased cross-sector collaboration, calling on “local tech hubs” and “financial startups,” universities, and digital rights campaigners to participate as the bills progress in Parliament.
A Model for the Continent?
In 2025, Ghana is one of the few African countries committing to digital governance with legislative momentum. By passing 15 new tech laws in one year, it highlights the urgency of African governments to address the challenges of a rapidly digitizing society.
Some observers see Ghana as a model for other countries in the region, particularly within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), where harmonized digital laws are being actively sought. By actively promoting clear regulatory policies, Ghana also becomes a desirable location for international technology investment.
Eyes on Implementation
Although the legislative program is ambitious, uncertainties persist regarding how and when the country will get these laws into place. According to experts, the absence of adequate funding, training time, and institutional capacity could hinder the effectiveness of the laws.
Even so, the announcement has been met with approval by numerous individuals in Ghana’s technology sector. Legal professionals, fintech executives, and civic tech organizations are all urging the move to support responsible growth. Some individuals anticipate that the laws will provide citizens with greater authority over their personal information and enhance accountability among public and private entities in the digital world.
Ghana’s tech industry will be closely monitoring the progress of the legislative process as draft bills are expected to be presented in Parliament within the next few months. The country’s success could result in it becoming a leader in digital innovation and thoughtful governance that ensures technology is beneficial to society.
