The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has defended the proposed National Information Technology Agency (NITA) Bill, arguing that some criticisms of the legislation are based on a misunderstanding of Ghana’s law-making process.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, Mr. George responded to concerns from industry stakeholders who have questioned the absence of detailed provisions on funding mechanisms, investment structures and implementation arrangements within the bill.
According to the Minister, such operational details are not typically included in a substantive piece of legislation but are instead addressed through a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) after Parliament passes the bill.
“Derek made an issue that the bill doesn’t show where investments will come in. Respectfully, it’s a legislation,” he said.
“A legislation will not touch on where sources of investment and things. That’s not how laws are made. After the legislation is passed, we will then come to Parliament with an L.I. The L.I. will flesh it out.”
Mr. George explained that the primary purpose of a bill is to establish the legal framework and policy objectives, while subsidiary legislation provides the practical details needed for implementation.
“The bill is the what. The L.I. that will follow the passage of the bill is the how,” he stated.
“So the bill tells us what we want to do. How we do it will come in a legislative instrument that fleshes it out.”
His remarks come amid growing debate within Ghana’s technology sector over the proposed legislation. Technology entrepreneurs, digital rights advocates and industry leaders have called for greater clarity regarding regulatory oversight, compliance requirements, investment opportunities and the broader implications of the bill for the country’s digital economy.
However, the Minister maintained that demands for such operational details to be embedded in the bill itself are inconsistent with established legislative procedures.
“You can’t expect us to begin to deal with how funding and things will come in a bill, a parent substantive bill. That’s not how laws are made,” he stressed.
While acknowledging the concerns being raised by sections of the technology community, Mr. George insisted that the government would adhere to the established legislative process.
“Yes, I hear the tech industry, but we will not rewrite the rules because that is what there’s a way laws are made in this country,” he added.
The proposed NITA Bill is expected to play a significant role in shaping Ghana’s digital governance and technology regulatory framework. As discussions continue, stakeholders are calling for broader engagement and consultation to ensure the legislation supports innovation, investment and the growth of the country’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
The Ministry for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations is expected to continue consultations with industry players and other stakeholders as parliamentary consideration of the bill progresses.
