ADD Wraps 1: Digital Governance 2024
Ghana's Digital Ecosystem Year In Review : Digital Governance...
Digital Digest No.#1011010
Date: January - December 2024
Dear Friends,
On the 23rd day of Christmas,🎄 here is our true love to you! - a review of
the 2024 Ghanaian digital ecosystem in series.
23rd - DIGITAL GOVERNANCE
24th - DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND PLATFORMS
27th - DIGITAL TALENTS
30th - DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
31st - DIGITAL TALENTS
Digital governance
News updates
Bank of Ghana Releases Draft Guidelines for Digital and Virtual Assets
The Bank of Ghana (BOG) has released a draft of guidelines for digital assets in the country. The draft follows the BOG’s review of the surging popularity of digital assets like cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Tether (USDT) in Ghana
National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy Launched In Ghana
The Minisstry of Communications and Digitalization, has officially launched the country’s National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS). The policy aims to build a resilient digital ecosystem, secure digital infrastructure, develop national capacity, deter cybercrime, and strengthen cooperation.
Ghana Launches National Space Policy
Ghana has launched its first comprehensive space policy, aiming to oversee human capital development, infrastructure, and the sector’s growth. The Ghana Space Policy, approved by Cabinet in March 2022, intends to streamline and manage the use and advancements of space technology across various sectors like environmental monitoring, agriculture, navigation, weather forecasting, and disaster management
Cybersecurity Service Providers Without Licenses Barred From Operating In Ghana
Ghana has barred Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs), Cybersecurity Establishments (CEs), and Cybersecurity Professionals (CPs) without a license or accreditation from operating in the country. The ban took effect January 1 2024, after a December 31, 2023, deadline issued by the Cybersecurity Authority in line with it’s mandate to regulate CSPs, CPs and CEs.
NCA To Regulate Telecom Tariffs Due To MTN’s SMP Status
Despite declaring MTN an SMP, the other small telcos have failed to catch up and MTN seems to be growing at a faster rate now than in the pre-SMP era. The National Communications Authority (NCA) is therefore gearing up to start regulating the frequency with which telcos adjust their tariffs in the country, requiring MTN to not price any of its product or services below that of other telcos. The public has up to March 8, 2024 to make their voices count on this matter.
Ghana’s Cabinet Approves Shared Neutral 4G and 5G Networks For Telecommunication Operators
Ghana’s cabinet has approved the establishment of shared neutral 4G and 5G networks for all telecommunications operators in the country to enhance Internet connectivity. “The government will auction the 5G spectrum since it is one or two companies that can buy such spectrum,” Minister of Communications, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, stated.
Securities and Exchange Commission, UNCOF launch Crowdfunding Guidelines to boost MSMEs growth
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Ghana (SEC) and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCOF) have launched comprehensive guidelines for equity and investment-based crowdfunding in Ghana to boost the growth of SMSEs and foster collaboration between crowdfunding platforms, banks, MFIs, and investment funds to create a seamless financial ecosystem
Flutterwave Secures Enhanced Payment Service Provider License By Bank of Ghana
Flutterwave has received a Payment Service Provider license (Enhanced Category) from the Bank of Ghana. The Enhanced Category license allows Flutterwave to operate without third-party services, streamlining payment processes and supporting other fintech companies in Ghana. For potential customers in Ghana, Flutterwave’s license translates into direct collection and payout services, automated invoicing, payment links, and a checkout solution that supports multiple payment methods including cards, mobile money, and bank transfers
Bank Of Ghana Mandates Centralised Forex Platform To Regulate Operations
The Bank of Ghana (BOG) has launched a centralized online foreign exchange trading platform, mandatory for all licensed Foreign Exchange Bureaux starting August 1, 2024. This platform aims to enhance oversight, monitoring, and compliance with the Foreign Exchange Act and Anti-Money Laundering Act. The platform will integrate with the national payment system, supporting electronic payments and issuing receipts for transactions, connect with the National Identification System, requiring biometric verification using a Ghana Card or Passport for transactions amongst other measures.
Bolt to Pay GHc1.9m in Damages to Lecturer Over Rider’s Identity Theft
The Circuit Court at Adentan has ordered Bolt Holdings OU, the data processor for the ride-hailing platform Bolt, to pay a lecturer and Chief Executive Officer of a software solutions company, Justice Noah Adade, an amount of GHS 1.9 million as damages for identity theft- theft of the lecturer’s identity and its subsequent use by a driver.
Bank of Ghana Suspends TapTap Send One Month For Violating Remittance Laws
Beginning November 8, 2024., TapTap Send faces one month suspension by the Bank of Ghana for operating a “cedi remittance wallet” in violation of section 3(1) of the Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 (Act 723), and paragraph 7(b, d and e) of the Updated Guidelines for Inward Remittance Services for Payment Service Providers.
Ghana Partners with Singapore for Carbon Credit Trading Using Blockchain
Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has advanced its climate action efforts by integrating the Ghana Carbon Registry (GCR) into a blockchain-based Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMO) network.
Press Play! - Here’s a recording of our X (twitter) spaces discussing Ghana’s 2024 Digital Ecosystem. It was fun!
Thank you for spending your year with us!
We’ll see you in tomorrow! Merry Christmas🎄
Please share us with your friends, co-workers, and tech enthusiasts in your network.
Send us an email at info@nodeeight.org if you have any news update, op-eds or events you would want us to feature.
Cheers! 🍻