Patricia Adusei-Poku, former Executive Director of the Data Protection and Privacy Commission (DPC), has said gaps in Ghana’s data protection law, combined with low awareness among organisations and the public, are major obstacles to enforcing the country’s data protection regulations.

In a recent interview with GhanaWeb, Adusei-Poku explained that while the DPC has a clear mandate to uphold data protection, the current legislation does not fully support extensive prosecutions. She warned that enforcement efforts will likely continue to face limitations until the necessary amendments to the Data Protection Act are enacted.

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“The data protection laws have not really changed, and until they are fully amended, we are likely to experience the same challenges,” she said.

Patricia Adusei-Poku noted that many companies remain unclear about their obligations, leading to unintentional violations or delays in implementing proper data protection measures.

Similarly, citizens unaware of their rights are less likely to report breaches, thereby reducing the Commission’s ability to prosecute offenders effectively.

“During my tenure, I did not prioritise enforcement immediately. There is a lack of understanding and awareness in the ecosystem. Every sector must assess their practices and improve their data governance. Data drives business, so organisations need to use it responsibly,” Patricia Adusei-Poku said.

She stressed that enforcement should follow once there is sufficient awareness and understanding in the ecosystem.

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“When the ecosystem is well-informed, enforcement becomes meaningful. Compliance cannot wait for the law to change or for prosecutions to increase; it is mandatory.

“A well-informed ecosystem is essential, but enforcement remains the ultimate safeguard. Organisations must review their data systems proactively, not just react to penalties,” Patricia Adusei-Poku noted.

The Data Protection Commission has stated that 2026 will be a decisive year for enforcing Ghana’s data protection laws, warning that institutions that fail to comply will face sanctions.

As part of this effort, it launched the Data Protection Week 2026, a month-long national programme aimed at strengthening privacy awareness, driving compliance, and building trust in Ghana’s digital economy.

It also seeks to deepen engagement beyond awareness and encourage responsible behaviour across the entire data ecosystem.

The initiative is themed, “Your Data, Your Identity: Building Trust in Ghana’s Digital Future.”

JKB/VPO

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