The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has announced upcoming reforms under the proposed National Information Technology Authority (NITA) Bill, designed to eliminate inefficiencies and redundancies within the public sector’s digital and ICT framework.
Addressing the media, the Minister explained that these reforms intend to streamline state technology procurement and halt the squandering of public funds caused by various agencies independently purchasing identical digital systems.
He noted that the existing structure frequently sees different state institutions buying the same applications and services separately, generating unnecessary expenses for the country.
“We’re looking to clean up the public sector space very well. Let’s be honest with ourselves and call a spade a spade. There is a multiplicity of duplicated systems. So you realise that there’s one service provider offering a service to five or six government agencies and charging government six times, meanwhile government could secure one solution for multiple platforms at a cheaper cost,” he noted.
To address this, the Minister detailed plans for a technical clearance certification scheme. This system will mandate that all ICT-related procurement undergoes a thorough technical review prior to receiving final approval.
He emphasised that this mechanism will complement existing procurement protocols, ensuring the state avoids redundant technology expenditures.
“The same way you need commitment authorisation from the Finance Minister before procurement approval, we are introducing a technical clearance certification system so the central IT agency can assess what government is paying for and help save the taxpayer from duplicated expenditure,” he explained.
The draft NITA Bill aims to reinforce the authority’s power to regulate Ghana’s ICT and digital technology sectors. The legislation includes provisions for licensing ICT service providers, certifying industry professionals, establishing technical standards, overseeing digital infrastructure, monitoring compliance, and managing state ICT procurement.
Furthermore, the bill is anticipated to succeed or modernise elements of the National Information Technology Agency Act, 2008, thereby broadening NITA’s responsibilities as the primary regulator for public sector technology frameworks and digital service providers.
In the meantime, Mr George clarified that the version of the legislation currently being distributed is merely a preliminary draft and holds no legal authority in its present state.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
