The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, has tasked the Data Protection Commission to scale up its operations, stressing the importance of establishing a regional presence and scaling up from a commission to an authority.
The Minister made these remarks when he visited the Data Protection Commission today to introduce the new Executive Director to the Commission.
He emphasized the need for collaboration between the new Executive Director Dr. Arnold Kavaarpuo and the outgoing one, Madam Patricia Adusei Poku
He urged Dr. Kavaarpuo to prioritize staff welfare, assuring the commission of the Ministry’s commitment to supporting its growth and sustainability.
Hon. Sam George further emphasized the need to make Ghana a digitally inclusive and data-driven country.
He urged the Commission to enforce compliance and also to build internal capacity to retain expertise within the public sector.
“Once you begin to drive compliance, the private sector will be looking for competent, skilled people. You must scale up to retain your staff, or else you become a conveyor belt, training people only to lose them to the private sector,” he stated.
He called for a collaborative effort to transform Ghana’s digital landscape, ensuring that all citizens have access to digital services and opportunities.
According to the Minister, a board will be set up soon to oversee the implementation of this vision.
The new Executive Director in a short remarks expressed excitement to embark on the journey with all staff.
“I’m confident that together, we’ll achieve remarkable things. Let’s work collaboratively to establish a strong regional presence and prioritize innovation”.
He further noted that the Commission’s work directly impacts the daily lives of Ghanaians, as data protection is intertwined with mobile phone usage, digital transactions, and online interactions.
As such, he pledged to prioritize public education and stakeholder engagement to enhance awareness and compliance.
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting journey. We have a lot of work ahead, but I am encouraged by the energy and support in the room. We will build a strong, resilient data protection framework that will make a lasting impact across the country,” she assured.
