Abednego Bandim Azumah, the Chairman of the Information and Communication Committee of Parliament, has urged Parliament to update the country’s data protection laws to address emerging tech challenges such as AI, cybersecurity, and data misuse by multinationals.

“The current Act (843) from 2012 needs revision to address new challenges.

“Ghana must strengthen data protection laws to address emerging tech risks,” he said.

Mr. Abednego Bandim made the remarks when he spoke in an interview with a section of the media in Parliament House, Accra, on Monday.

He had previously delivered a statement on the subject on the Floor of the House.

He said, “We need laws to cover AI, cyber threats, and data misuse by multinationals, and the power to enforce penalties for violations.”

According to Mr. Bandim Azumah, also the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Bunkpurugu, said

the Data Protection Commission’s bill was set to be presented to Parliament, seeking to strengthen data protection laws and address concerns about multinationals collecting and storing Ghanaian data abroad.

“Ghana must prioritise updating data protection laws to tackle tech challenges,” he emphasised.

The call comes as the Commission celebrates Data Protection Month, raising awareness about the importance of data protection and the need for institutions to comply with regulations.

The MP urged Ghanaians to be mindful of their online activities and protect their personal data, while also calling on institutions to ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

On his part, Dr. Arnold Kavaarpuo, Executive Director and Commissioner of the Data Protection Commission said Ghana’s Data Protection Commission was taking steps to address emerging tech challenges like AI, machine learning, and deepfakes.

He cited key concerns to include data harvesting, lack of local infrastructure, and ensuring global collaboration.

Dr. Kavaarpuo, addressing a section of media in Parliament, reiterated that Ghana was introducing a new bill to regulate AI, automated decision-making, and cross-border data transfers.

He said the Data Protection Commission was working with the Global Privacy Assembly to address data protection issues.

“Data collection must be consensual, and individuals must know how their data is used,” he said.

The Executive Director emphasized accountability from AI platforms and protecting Ghanaians’ data rights.