A Data Protection Expert and CEO of Information Governance Solutions, Sylvia Appiah has cautioned data controllers to make data protection requirements a priority to avoid losing money.

Speaking on the Marketplace on JoyNews, she said it is not too late for companies to start the journey of compliance.

“No business can exist without people’s data. The first thing for firms to do is the register with the Data Protection Commission. Registration shows your commitment to processing data securely and in an appropriate manner”, she said

Madam Appiah’s advice comes as the Data Protection Commission has begun an aggressive enforcement of the country’s data protection laws.

The widely publicized enforcement action saw the arrest of officials of companies such as Hisense Group Limited, Mawarko Fast foods, Quick Credit Microfinance & Investment Limited and Agyabeng Akrasi &Co with a lot more others under the radar.

“These days you cannot go for a tender or operate globally without complying with relevant data protection laws. It becomes one of the top five risks that has to be discussed in any company operations”, Appiah told Marketplace host Daryl Kwawu.

She urged institutions to reach out to the Information Governance Solutions, an organization accredited with the Data Protection Commission to be assisted with registration and training.

Madam Appiah also noted there was a shortage of data professionals globally, making the training of practitioners crucial, in order to equip them to deliver on their mandate.

The Data Protection Act 2012, (Act 843) sets out the rules and principles governing the collection, use, disclosure and care of personal data or information by a data controller or processor.

It recognises a person’s right to protect their personal data or information by mandating a data controller or processor to process such personal data or information in accordance with the individual’s rights.

 The Act also established the Data Protection Commission as an independent statutory body to ensure and enforce compliance.

The commission, since the introduction of the Act has been creating awareness and building capacity to ensure institutions are educated on what is required of them.