Data of citizens critical
Let’s address challenges – CJ
By Selorm GBORBIDZI, Accra
The Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, has urged African nations to collaborate to effectively deal with the challenges posed in protecting the online data of their citizens.
Speaking at a 3-day Data Protection Africa Summit held in Accra, the Chief Justice, who was represented by Justice Jennifer Araba Dadzie, a Justice of the Court of Appeal, acknowledged that African countries have unique challenges in safeguarding the privacy and security of their citizens’ data.
She therefore stressed that it is important that they “address these challenges head on and build bridges that foster oversight and accountability.”
This drive, she again acknowledged is being hampered by a “lack of resources and inadequate education and a lack of awareness pose challenges.”
She therefore urged the countries on the continent to recognise the urgency of these issues and the need for collaborative effort to overcome them.
She stated, “it necessitates the collaboration of government, civil society and the private sector.
Together, we can create a comprehensive framework that upholds data protection principles.”
She went further to say that by working together, African nations can bridge the gaps and establish a robust system of oversight and accountability.”
This, she noted, will entail the recognition and acknowledgement of the challenges of data protection oversight in Africa.
The Chief Justice said that “for the oversight and accountability of the Data Protection Act to be achieved [at the national level], all stakeholders must be up and doing.”
This oversight also calls for collaboration at the regional, continental international level,” she concluded.
Teki Akuetteh, Executive Director at the Africa Digital Rights Hub, hosts of the three-day summit, told The Finder in an interview that, privacy, particularly online privacy are fundamental needs of people, and it is important that this right is protected.
In view of this., laws have been crafted to protect that privacy, especially as more and more tools for data collection are being developed.
She said, “the laws are there to push for more protection to be given to individuals whose information are being collected. It’s extremely important for us to also start thinking around these issues.”
She indicated that there is a need to raise awareness and the capacity of authorities on the continent, and it is for this reason that the conference is being held.
