Accra: Experts and regulators have emphasised the need for a professional body and a dedicated legislative instrument for Information Communication Technology (ICT) professionals in Ghana. Dr. Mark Oliver Kevor, Acting Director General of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), said the government was committed to strengthening the ICT ecosystem through robust regulation. The call was made during the 8th anniversary and induction ceremony of the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH) new Executives in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Kevor expressed concern over the current unregulated environment where individuals could claim ICT expertise without proper accreditation, leading to potential inconsistencies and quality issues. “Currently, anybody can just get up and say, ‘l am an ICT professional,’ get into an organization, including government organizations, take a contracted job, do a part job, and then start complaining. That is the reason why we must regulate the ICT professional space,” he said.
The Acting Director General outlined the government’s plans to undertake a comprehensive review of key ICT-related acts, including the META Act, the NCA Act, the Cybersecurity Act, and the Data Protection Act. He noted that the review aimed to establish a clear legal and regulatory framework that not only fostered innovation but also protected consumers and enhanced the credibility of ICT professionals. “A central focus of the proposed regulatory framework is the standardization of ICT professional certifications, aligning them with global best practice,” he said.
Dr. Kevor highlighted that in many developed countries, government contracts and private sector consultancy roles were reserved for accredited and certified ICT practitioners. He emphasized the importance of replicating this model in Ghana to ensure quality and competence. “In other countries, you can’t get a government contract when you are not a professional ICT practitioner. You can’t also do private work as an entrepreneur or as a consultant when you are not an accredited or certified ICT professional, and that is what we must begin to do in Ghana,” he added.
He also stressed the role of a professional body in fostering ethical conduct, promoting continuous professional development, and advocating for the interests of ICT professionals. Dr. Kevor called for a unified professional body that would provide a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of the ICT sector in Ghana.
Mr. Richard Kafui Amanfu, Executive Director IIIPGH, emphasized the need for legislation to professionalize the ICT sector, arguing that without a regulatory framework, the industry operates in a vacuum, hindering meaningful development. The call for regulation stems from a recognition of the fragmented nature of the sector, where organizations often work in silos, lacking a unified voice to influence policy.
The Director alluded to the established professions like medicine and law, highlighting the crucial role of associations like the Ghana Medical Association and the Ghana Bar Association in setting standards and guiding practice. He noted that the legislation would foster collaboration and synergy among ICT professionals. “The proposed regulations aim to address the current lack of direction and ensure that activities within the sector contribute to broader national development goals. By establishing clear guidelines and standards, the sector can move away from isolated efforts and towards a cohesive, impactful approach,” he said.