"No accreditation, no online trade" – NITA Boss warns E-Commerce operators

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Authority (NITA), Dr. Mark-Oliver Kevor, has issued a stern warning to online business operators, stating that any e-commerce platform that refuses to be accredited under the upcoming regulatory framework will not be allowed to operate in Ghana.

Speaking at the 2025 National ICT Week celebration in Accra, Dr. Kevor emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring trust and security in Ghana’s digital commerce space.

Themed “Ghana as Africa’s Digital Trade Hub—Innovation, Policy, and Partnerships for the Future,” the event brought together key players in the tech ecosystem to deliberate on the country’s digital trade ambitions.

“Many Ghanaians have lost hope in online businesses due to unlawful trading,” Dr. Kevor noted.

"We want to create an enabling environment for online businesses to thrive and also build confidence in customers. Any online business that refuses to be accredited will not be allowed to trade.”

The upcoming accreditation system, spearheaded by NITA, will serve as a digital trust mark, assuring consumers that certified businesses meet standards of security, transparency, and accountability.

Dr. Kevor explained that the initiative is a critical part of Ghana’s broader digital transformation agenda, which includes flagship programs such as the ICT for Girls initiative, the One Million Coders project, and collaborations with tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Huawei.

He stressed that the move to regulate e-commerce is not just about enforcement, but also about nurturing an ecosystem where innovation, safety, and consumer confidence drive digital growth.

As part of the National ICT Week activities, stakeholders are also discussing key reforms needed to position Ghana as a leading digital trade hub in Africa.

These include:

• Strengthening digital trust through the Digital Trust Framework

• Showcasing innovations in digital payments, logistics, and e-commerce

• Rolling out a national Data Exchange Hub and robust Data Governance Framework

• Attracting global investors and fostering public-private partnerships

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Dr. Kevor concluded by reiterating that the regulatory framework is intended to "consolidate Ghana’s role as a secure, innovative, and reliable digital trade hub for Africa."

The new measures are expected to be rolled out in the coming months, with NITA leading the charge in vetting and certifying online businesses across the country.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith