By Collins Sarkodieh 
Communications Minister Sam George has confirmed that four professional law firms are currently reviewing the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) Bill.
This review process directly addresses public concerns that the government drafts digital legislation in isolation.
The minister clarified that his ministry collaborates extensively with technical agencies and legal experts to ensure all proposals meet strict constitutional requirements. By incorporating feedback from various stakeholders, the government aims to create legislation that is both legally sound and reflective of public input.
Licensing and certification under the NITA Bill will apply exclusively to firms seeking government contracts, particularly those managing sensitive public sector technology infrastructure. Independent software developers, website designers, and app creators who serve private clients will remain exempt from these requirements.
The minister emphasized that these licensing rules are designed to protect standards for companies entrusted with critical national digital systems. Fears that all ICT professionals must obtain government licenses are based on misinterpretations of earlier, non-final drafts of the legislation.
The government is drafting a separate Innovation and Startup Bill to define qualifying businesses and establish clear benefits for them. Minister George noted that the term startup is currently used far too loosely within Ghana’s technology sector, with some firms claiming the label even after two decades of operation.
By creating a specific legal framework, the government aims to align Ghana with successful models already established in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa. This new legislation will focus on:
- Providing a precise legal definition for what constitutes a genuine startup.
- Outlining specific incentives and benefits for qualifying innovative businesses.
- Separating debates about startup protections from the technical governance of the NITA Bill.
This multi-layered approach ensures that digital governance remains robust while fostering a supportive environment for Ghana’s growing tech ecosystem. By separating infrastructure regulation from startup incentives, the government hopes to provide clarity for all stakeholders operating within the national digital space.
Also Read: Ghana NITA Rejects Digital Fees Backlash Citing Existing Regulatory Laws
Source: ghananewspage.com