The Data Protection Commission has launched a new improved data registry and compliance software to enhance data collection in the country.

The move to launch the new registry is influenced by the increasing number of non-compliant with the data protection acts which seeks to bring all data processing companies under one law.

Speaking at the launch, Communications Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful disclosed that the country is getting closer to achieving its aim in digitalising the economy.

“In our emerging borderless, digitised economy, international cooperation, safe trans-border processing of data and digital identification of people using appropriate tools and technology is critical. 

“Ghana is currently one of the few countries to pass the Data Protection Law and establish a Supervisory Authority in Africa and was amongst the first three countries to ratify the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, the Malabo convention,” she added.

Out of the over 60,000 data collection businesses registered at the Register Generals, only about 20,000 have been certified and licensed as data collection institutions.

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful hinted that Ghana will be ahead of its counterpart on the African Continent with regards to protecting data of its citizens, a move that will enhance the agenda of harmonising data for the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

“To this end, Ghana will be leading the continent in a quest to harmonize data of businesses operating within the Continental Free trade market,” she said.

Executive Director of the Data Protection Commission, Patricia Adusei-Poku expressed worry that many companies have still not registered with the commission despite several engagements.

Meanwhile, the Communications Minister also announced an amnesty period of six months to all data controllers who couldn’t register to do so.