Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation Samuel Nartey George has sought to calm growing public concern over the proposed National Information Technology Authority Bill, insisting that the document currently circulating online is only a draft and has not yet been approved by Cabinet.
According to the Minister, the bill remains under internal review and does not carry any legal authority in its current form. His clarification comes after widespread debate and criticism emerged over portions of the draft bill, with some stakeholders raising concerns about regulatory powers, digital governance and the potential impact on technology innovation in Ghana.
Speaking on the matter, Sam George stressed that the document had not reached the stage required for formal government approval and urged the public not to treat it as final legislation. He explained that policy drafting processes often involve several working documents and consultations before any proposal is officially presented to Cabinet or Parliament.
“This document is still at the draft stage and not before Cabinet,” he stated. The proposed bill is expected to eventually replace or strengthen the legal framework governing the operations of the National Information Technology Agency, commonly known as NITA, which plays a central role in Ghana’s digital infrastructure, cybersecurity coordination and government technology systems.
Public discussion around the leaked draft intensified after some analysts and digital rights advocates questioned whether aspects of the bill could expand state control over digital platforms and data systems. Critics also expressed concern about possible overlaps between NITA and other regulatory bodies within Ghana’s communications and technology ecosystem.
However, the Minister insisted that government remains committed to stakeholder engagement and transparency throughout the drafting process. He indicated that consultations with industry players, civil society organisations and technology experts would continue before any final proposal is considered for adoption.
The controversy highlights growing public interest in digital governance and technology regulation in Ghana, particularly as the country accelerates efforts toward digital transformation. In recent years, government has expanded digital initiatives in areas such as mobile money interoperability, electronic governance systems, digital identity and cybersecurity infrastructure.
Observers say that because of the increasing role of technology in everyday life, proposed legislation in the sector now attracts far greater scrutiny from businesses, civil society groups and the public than in previous years.
Sam George’s comments also come at a time when Ghana is positioning itself as a major digital and innovation hub in West Africa. The Ministry has repeatedly emphasised the need to balance regulation with innovation while ensuring that digital infrastructure remains secure and accessible.
The Minister noted that draft policy documents are often subject to revisions and should not automatically be interpreted as final government positions. He warned against misinformation and urged the public to rely on official communication channels for updates on the bill’s progress.
Technology policy experts say the reaction to the draft demonstrates the importance of public participation in digital lawmaking. They argue that legislation affecting internet governance, data management and digital systems must be carefully designed to avoid unintended consequences for innovation, privacy and economic growth.
The proposed NITA Bill is expected to undergo several stages before becoming law, including Cabinet review, stakeholder consultations and parliamentary debate if eventually approved for legislative consideration.
For now, government officials maintain that the circulating draft is part of an ongoing internal process and should not be viewed as an enacted or approved policy framework.
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