A invoice to remodel the Nationwide Data Know-how Authority (NITA) into a strong impartial regulator is dealing with a rising backlash, with know-how analysts and consultants warning that the push to go a number of digital payments is creating worry and suspicion inside Ghana’s know-how ecosystem.
Talking on PM Categorical on Monday, Barnabas Nii Larrier questioned why the federal government was pushing round 15 digital payments on the identical time.
“For everybody on this house, everybody who’s been taking part in on this house for a very long time, the very first thing you are fascinated about is, what are they hiding?” he mentioned.
The proposed Nationwide Data Know-how Authority Invoice goals to overtake Ghana’s present ICT Act 2008.
The invoice proposes obligatory licensing for ICT companies, obligatory certification for ICT professionals, regulation of rising applied sciences akin to AI and blockchain, and a 1% tax on ICT providers.
Nevertheless, the proposal has raised robust considerations amongst software program builders, startups, and know-how entrepreneurs.
In response to a query about why younger builders ought to fear about this invoice, Barnabas warned that poorly designed rules might hurt innovation fairly than assist it.
“I believe you ought to be involved, as a result of regulation solely lowers the boundaries to innovation fairly than creating the enabling surroundings that you really want,” he mentioned.
He notably pointed to the supply requiring all ICT firms to acquire a license earlier than working.
He mentioned the invoice’s definitions have been too broad and unclear.
“If we take a look at particular points, it signifies that all ICT companies have to be licensed, and except a license has been granted, an individual should not interact in enterprise or associated actions within the ICT area. The definition may be very broad, primarily together with organizations that present ICT infrastructure, ICT merchandise and ICT providers,” he mentioned.
He questioned whether or not abnormal internet builders, college students constructing software program merchandise, and startup founders would want a authorities license earlier than launching their concepts.
“Do internet builders want a license? Do web site builders want a license? Do college students who’re simply constructing a easy SaaS product (even at KNUST as we speak) want a license? Do startup founders want a license earlier than launching?” he requested.
Barnabas argued that the invoice’s ambiguity is already inflicting pressure throughout the tech neighborhood.
“We can not enact new legal guidelines, and even as soon as they’re handed, we can not go away them ambiguous,” he mentioned.
He additionally criticized the federal government’s broader legislative agenda within the digital space.
“From a public coverage perspective, that is too formidable and creates the house for a few of these tensions to come up,” he mentioned.
“You may’t create 15 invoices without delay, as a result of it takes numerous consideration, numerous time, numerous man-hours to guarantee that the invoices are processed appropriately.”
The know-how analyst additionally warned that elements of the invoice might criminalize innovation.
He mentioned the invoice proposes penalties for working with out the mandatory permits, together with doable fines and jail time.
“Think about a 22-year-old Ghanaian launches a scheduling app. Three months later, NITA determines that the app falls beneath the class of requiring a license. The founder could also be technically non-compliant,” he warned.
“This isn’t how fashionable innovation ecosystems are constructed.”
