“Commit to building a digital market that is not just innovative but trustworthy” – NITA Boss

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), Ing. Dr. Mark-Oliver Kevor, has issued a clarion call for a united national effort in building a digital economy that is both innovative and deeply rooted in trust.

He made this appeal during his keynote address on Day Two of the National ICT Week celebration held at the Accra International Conference Centre under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Building Ghana’s Most Trusted Digital Market.”

Addressing industry players, development partners, members of the media, and representatives from the broader ICT ecosystem, Dr. Kevor emphasized that trust is no longer a complementary feature but the very foundation of Ghana’s digital future.

“We live in an era where trust is the currency of the digital economy. Without trust, no system thrives, no transaction succeeds, and no partnership endures,” he stated. “That is why we must commit to building a digital market that is not just innovative but trustworthy.”

Dr. Kevor highlighted that while Ghana has made significant strides in ICT policy development, it is time to move from policy rhetoric to impactful implementation.

He noted that Ghana is well-positioned at the heart of Africa’s digital transformation journey, with a youthful population, rising internet penetration, and expanding ICT infrastructure.

However, he posed a critical question: “How do we ensure that as we digitize our economy, we also inspire confidence in the systems we build?”

The NITA Director-General identified security, transparency, and accountability as the three non-negotiable pillars required to build a trusted digital ecosystem:

• Security to protect personal and business data against cyber threats.

• Transparency to ensure fair and predictable digital transactions.

• Accountability to enforce compliance and build user confidence.

  
  

Dr. Kevor outlined NITA’s recent efforts aimed at strengthening trust within Ghana’s digital landscape:

• Cybersecurity Frameworks: In partnership with the Cyber Security Authority, NITA is enhancing national cyber resilience.

• Digital Governance: Government institutions are being equipped with tools and standards to align with global ICT governance practices.

• Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations with industry players are helping to promote responsible innovation while safeguarding consumer interests.

  
  

To achieve a secure and trustworthy digital market, NITA is prioritizing five key areas:

1. Data Protection and Privacy – Vigorous enforcement of the Data Protection Act to secure citizen information.

2. Digital Identity and Authentication – Expansion of secure national ID systems for trusted transactions.

3. Standardization and Compliance – Ensuring interoperability and efficiency across platforms.

4. Consumer Education – Promoting digital literacy and safe online practices.

5. Innovation with Integrity – Supporting technologies that prioritize security and inclusiveness.

   
   

Dr. Kevor issued a direct call to all actors within the ICT space:

• To industry stakeholders: Uphold the highest data protection and cybersecurity standards.

• To policymakers: Enact and enforce laws that foster innovation while maintaining user trust.

• To citizens: Be responsible digital users and demand transparency from service providers.

• And to NITA itself: Continue to lead with integrity and ensure no one is left behind in Ghana’s digital journey.

  
  

Referencing remarks from Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang—delivered on her behalf by Political Advisor Mr. Ofosu Ampofo—Dr. Kevor reiterated Ghana’s commitment to the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, which promotes a continent-wide framework for secure and trusted digital trade.

“By harmonizing our regulatory frameworks with continental standards, we are strengthening cybersecurity, protecting data privacy, and building the confidence needed for businesses and consumers to thrive,” he said.

Dr. Kevor underscored that trust is not a destination but a continuous journey requiring collaboration, vigilance, and innovation.

“Together, we can make Ghana the benchmark for a secure, inclusive, and trusted digital future,” he concluded to resounding applause.

The 2025 National ICT Week celebration continues through the week, bringing together stakeholders to deliberate on Ghana’s role in shaping Africa’s digital economy.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith