The Draft NITA Bill should be shredded
The Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology, & Innovations (MOC) is proposing to convert NITA from a coordinating ICT agency into a broad digital-sector regulator. The draft NITA Bill aims to give NITA powers over ICT infrastructure, cloud, SaaS, digital platforms, public-sector technology procurement, professional certification, business premises, mergers, ownership, standards, audits, sanctions, and even the structure of government digital infrastructure. The bill includes mandatory licensing of ICT business activity, stating that "no person may engage in business or a related activity in the ICT sector unless granted a licence."
The draft bill proposes that a licence applicant must be an adult Ghanaian citizen, or a company/partnership/association/body "wholly owned by a citizen." The bill also states that a person shall not be appointed as an ICT professional in a public or private institution unless certified by the Authority, and that NITA shall determine the criteria and procedure. The bill would establish NITA as a regulatory authority for ICT and digital services, with objects including regulation, coordination, promotion, standards, licensing, certification, interoperability, digital innovation, and public-sector ICT personnel management.
NITA could close premises or facilities and seize ICT products/equipment.
Quick Summary
A veteran business journalist has sparked debate about the NITA bill. The proposed bill aims to convert NITA into a broad digital-sector regulator - but concerns are rising about its potential impact.
Summary - read the full story for complete context.

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