Our ICT Laws Are Outdated" – Parliament ICT Chair Calls For Urgent Review To Match AI Era

Story by Fada Amakye

Hon. Dr Abed L. Bandim (PhD), Member of Parliament for Bunkpurugu Constituency and Chairman of Parliament’s Information and Communications Committee*, has called for an urgent review of Ghana’s ICT laws to keep up with Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies.

Speaking at a forum, Dr. Bandim said he joined the event for 3 reasons: his role as Committee Chairman, his academic background in ICT and Communications, and the need to make effective laws for the sector.

“As chairman of the Information and Communications Committee, I must be abreast with industry trends to function effectively,”_ he said.

He noted that he holds a Master’s degree in ICT and Law and a PhD in Communications Management, making the sector part of his area of study.

Dr. Bandim raised concern that many of Ghana’s ICT laws are outdated. He cited the National Communications Authority law passed in 2008 and the Data Protection law passed over 15 years ago.

“Today we are talking about AI. We are talking about emerging technologies. All of these are driven by data. If you don’t have a robust data protection law, you are bound to fail,”_ he stated.

He revealed that about 15 ICT-related bills are currently with Cabinet, including reviews of the Data Protection law and the Cyber Security law passed in 2017.

“When those bills come to Parliament, my committee will take charge and steer them through to pass laws that are fit for purpose,”_ he said.

Dr. Bandim added that AI is already with us and Ghana must accept it.

“AI is for everyone. We must ensure our laws and policies reflect modern trends so Parliament can do a good job,”_ he concluded.