Accra: Patricia Adusei-Poku, former Executive Director of the Data Protection and Privacy Commission (DPC), has highlighted significant challenges in enforcing Ghana's data protection regulations, citing gaps in the law and low awareness among both organizations and the public as major obstacles.
According to Ghana Web, Adusei-Poku explained in a recent interview that while the DPC has a clear mandate to uphold data protection, the current legislation does not fully support extensive prosecutions. She emphasized that enforcement efforts will likely face limitations until necessary amendments to the Data Protection Act are enacted.
Patricia Adusei-Poku pointed out that many companies remain unclear about their obligations, leading to unintentional violations or delays in implementing proper data protection measures. Similarly, citizens who are unaware of their rights are less likely to report breaches, reducing the Commission's ability to prosecute offenders effectively. During her tenure, she did not prioritize enforcement immediately due to a lack of understanding and awareness in the ecosystem. She stated that every sector must assess their practices and improve their data governance, as data drives business and organizations need to use it responsibly.
She further stressed that enforcement should follow once there is sufficient awareness and understanding in the ecosystem. Adusei-Poku noted that when the ecosystem is well-informed, enforcement becomes meaningful, and compliance cannot wait for the law to change or for prosecutions to increase; it is mandatory. She underscored that a well-informed ecosystem is essential, but enforcement remains the ultimate safeguard, urging organizations to review their data systems proactively and not just react to penalties.
The Data Protection Commission has announced that 2026 will be a decisive year for enforcing Ghana's data protection laws, warning that institutions failing to comply will face sanctions. As part of this effort, it has launched the Data Protection Week 2026, a month-long national program aimed at strengthening privacy awareness, driving compliance, and building trust in Ghana's digital economy. The initiative seeks to deepen engagement beyond awareness and encourage responsible behavior across the entire data ecosystem, under the theme, 'Your Data, Your Identity: Building Trust in Ghana's Digital Future.'