• The campaign will run from September 2025 to September 2026 across all 16 regions.
• The government inaugurated the Ghana Association of Privacy Professionals (GAPP) to build a certified talent pool.
• Internet penetration reached 24.3 million users, or 70% of the population, in early 2025.

Ghana launched a nationwide campaign on September 15 in Accra to promote digital privacy, as the country seeks to strengthen trust in its growing digital economy. The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technologies and Innovation leads the initiative, which aims to protect citizens’ rights and boost confidence in online services.

The campaign seeks to popularize the still unfamiliar concept of digital privacy, which refers to individuals’ right to control the use of their personal data online—such as names, addresses, biometric data, browsing history, or private communications. Authorities argue that safeguarding such information is crucial to prevent abuse, reduce fraud, and uphold civil liberties in an environment of mass data collection by both companies and public institutions.

The initiative will run for one year, from September 2025 to September 2026, and will cover all 16 regions of Ghana. Officials will deploy awareness campaigns in English and five local languages—Akan, Ga, Ewe, Hausa, and Dagbani. The program also includes training sessions for companies and government agencies and the development of a pool of certified data protection professionals. The inauguration of the Ghana Association of Privacy Professionals (GAPP) marks a milestone in building a national ecosystem around privacy.

The campaign comes as Ghana’s digital economy rapidly expands. According to DataReportal, the country had 24.3 million internet users in early 2025, representing nearly 70% of the population. Ghana adopted a Data Protection Act in 2012, requiring data controllers to register with the National Commission. However, challenges persist, including low public awareness, limited compliance among companies, and a shortage of skilled professionals.

Authorities say the campaign will help citizens understand their rights, such as consent, access, rectification, and erasure of personal data. For businesses, the program should encourage stronger governance practices. In the long term, the government expects the initiative to increase user confidence in digital services and to create a safer environment for artificial intelligence and other innovations. Officials see these two conditions as essential to position Ghana as a leading digital hub in West Africa.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum