Ghana extends time for feedback on new laws to regulate tech evolutions and emerging digital areas

If you care about technology or are in the tech ecosystem, you have to care about the slew of policy changes on the near horizon in Ghana, says technology expert Ethel Cofie, founder of Women in Tech Africa and EDEL Technology Consulting.

The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations (MoCDTI) is spearheading the development of several new laws to regulate emerging areas of the digital ecosystem in response to the rapid evolution of technology. It is also undertaking a comprehensive review of existing legislation governing areas such as electronic communications, transactions, cybersecurity, and data protection.

Speaking at the Mobex Africa Tech Expo and Innovation Conference 2025 on 21 October, Ghana's Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George said Ghana is pursuing a bold digital agenda built on four pillars (Innovation, Infrastructure, Inclusion, and Impact), illustrated by 15 new ICT-related bills to be laid before Ghana’s Parliament this year, and regulatory sandboxes that will be created to allow innovators to test new technologies.

The MoCDTI has invited public feedback on the series of draft 2025 Bills, including the: Data Harmonisation Bill; Digital Economy and Innovation Development Fund Bill; Misinformation, Disinformation, Hate Speech and Publication of Other Information Bill; Emerging Technologies Bill; Ghana Innovation and Startup Bill; National Communications Authority Bill; Electronic Communications Bill; Electronic Transactions Bill; Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill; and the Data Protection Bill.

Collectively the proposed new laws will make sweeping changes, including: establishing a dedicated Emerging Technologies Agency to coordinate advanced tech adoption (AI, blockchain, IoT, quantum) across sectors; creating a legal framework for data sharing and interoperability across public agencies and the private sector; introducing privacy safeguards and cross-border data transfer rules; establishing a national fund to finance connectivity, digital public infrastructure, and innovation in Ghana; establishing a legal framework for managing misinformation, disinformation, and harmful digital content; expanding the Cyber Security Authority’s investigative and prosecutorial powers; establishing a national framework for start-ups and innovation enterprises; establishing an independent Data Protection Commission with greater autonomy, and strengthening enforcement powers.

The Legislative Review initiative aims to modernise Ghana's digital governance architecture, and establish a coherent, modern, and comprehensive legal framework that effectively governs all agencies under the Ministry, ensuring regulatory clarity, operational efficiency, and alignment with international best practices.

The Minister revealed that Ghana aims to create 200,000 technology-driven jobs by 2028, generating about $2 billion annually through digital exports.

At the Africa Tech Expo and Innovation Conference, the Minister called on African nations to take charge of their digital transformation, stressing that the continent can no longer afford to be a spectator in the global digital space. ‎He urged African innovators to develop homegrown solutions for African challenges, envisioning an Africa that is not a consumer but a creator and leader in the global digital revolution.

Since then, the MoCDTI has extended the deadline for inputs and comments on the proposed new laws a further two weeks to Friday 14 November 2025.

The full text of each of the draft Bills and their respective Public Comment Declaration forms can be accessed here.