NITA defends ICT fees, rejects claims of 'digital coup'

National Information Technology Agency (NITA) defended its regulatory mandate and the legality of fees and accreditation structures imposed on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies and professionals on May 22, 2026, dismissing allegations circulating on social media that it is unlawfully implementing provisions of a proposed law yet to be passed by Parliament. NITA said recent publications on social media platform X and other online forums contained "serious misconceptions" regarding its legal authority, the proposed NITA Bill and the basis for existing fees and charges within Ghana's digital ecosystem. The agency explained that the current regulatory framework governing ICT companies, fintech entities, e-commerce service providers and ICT professionals was derived from existing laws and Legislative Instruments already passed and matured through Parliament and not from the proposed NITA Bill currently under consultation.

According to NITA, the fees and certification categories currently being implemented are backed by the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2481) and the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2512). It said the 2025 amendment regulations were made pursuant to powers granted under the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2022 (Act 1080). Among the fees cited were GH¢20,000 for fintech entities accreditation and GH¢10,000 for e-commerce service provider accreditation. NITA said those fees were explicitly contained in L.I. 2512 and reflected the cost of ensuring "safe, secure and resilient platforms" while protecting digital consumers.

NITA maintained that its authority predates the proposed bill and is firmly grounded in existing legislation, including the National Information Technology Agency Act, **20