NITA Engages Stakeholders For Effective Data Centre & Cloud Regulations
The National Information Technology Agency (NITA), hosted a three-day Stakeholder workshop on formulating a regulatory framework for data center and cloud operations. The engagement, was cohosted by Smart Africa. The first session took place at the Accra City Hotel on February 20, 2024, and it hosted members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Communication, while the second and third sessions continued at the Mensvic Grand Hotel, East Legon, on February 21st and 22nd, 2024. Notable attendees included the Minister of Communications and Digitalization, Hon. Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, senior officials of NITA, Senior officials of Smart Africa, the lead from Salience Consulting, media representatives, stakeholders from selected government agencies, and other stakeholders from the data center ecosystem.
Addressing the participants, the Honourable Minister emphasized the escalating significance of data and how imperative it is to establish a governance framework. She highlighted Ghana’s active role in promoting the digital agenda globally. The Minister touted the creation of the 4-tier National Data Center by the Government of Ghana and the Government Cloud (G Cloud), which provides cloud services to governmental institutions.
The role of NITA, as the mandated National IT Regulator (covering Data Centres and Cloud services) as outlined in the NITA Act, 2008 (Act 771) and the Electronic Transactions Act, 2008 (Act 772), was highly recognized, as Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful envisioned Ghana evolving into a regional hub for data centers, and commended NITA for its unwavering commitment to overseeing effective Information Technology integration across diverse sectors in Ghana.
The Honourable Minister concluded by reiterating the potential benefits of fostering a robust data center industry, including enhancing the nation’s global competitiveness and facilitating the efficient delivery of essential services.
Mr. Solomon Richardson, Director of Technical Services at NITA who represented the Director General, addressed the stakeholders and said Acts 771 and 772 entrust NITA with the responsibility to regulate critical databases, emphasizing the significance of NITA’s role in the evolving digital landscape.
He hinted that NITA in 2024 will be rolling out several specific regulations to address specific areas in the ICT space. He indicated that this will improve the quality of service provided by service providers, and align Ghana’s ecosystem to international standards.
The Honourable Minister concluded by reiterating the potential benefits of fostering a robust data center industry, including enhancing the nation’s global competitiveness and facilitating the efficient delivery of essential services.
Mr. Solomon Richardson, Director of Technical Services at NITA who represented the Director General, addressed the stakeholders and said Acts 771 and 772 entrust NITA with the responsibility to regulate critical databases, emphasizing the significance of NITA’s role in the evolving digital landscape.
He hinted that NITA in 2024 will be rolling out several specific regulations to address specific areas in the ICT space. He indicated that this will improve the quality of service provided by service providers, and align Ghana’s ecosystem to international standards.
