During this year’s Data Protection Week, the American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana brought together members, partners, and regulators to discuss the evolving landscape of privacy, cross‑border data flows, and digital trade. AmCham Ghana CEO Doris Kafui Afanyedey opened the webinar by welcoming members and the Ghana Data Protection Commission (DPC) for the collaboration.  Ms. Doris emphasized that, as data underpins innovation in financial services, trade, and service delivery, it is essential to establish trust and compliance frameworks that support both local and multinational companies operating in Ghana.

The webinar aimed to focus on practical steps to build a robust privacy ecosystem while fostering cross‑border data flows, including:

• Clarifying Ghana’s data protection and regulatory expectations for local and multinational businesses
• Examining cross-border data flows in the context of cloud services, fintech, AI, and digital trade
• Highlighting how strong data governance builds trust, competitiveness, and investor confidence
• Providing practical guidance for CIOs, compliance, legal, and ICT leaders navigating data risk and opportunity

The key Speaker for the webinar, Quintin Nero Jones Akrobotu,  Director of Regulatory Compliance at the Data Protection Commission, emphasized that under Section 58 of the Data Protection Act, data controllers must appoint certified data protection supervisors who understand Ghana’s legal framework and can monitor compliance.  He reiterated that the Commission has published training guidelines for the Certified Data Protection Supervisor (CDPS) program, which equips professionals with practical skills to interpret the Act, support internal compliance frameworks, and handle data subject requests.  By investing in local certification, multinationals demonstrate respect for Ghanaian data subjects and strengthen their own governance structures.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of cross‑border data flows for Ghana’s digital economy.  According to a 2025 issue brief by the Future of Privacy Forum, cross‑border transfers are critical to Africa’s digital trade and are recognized in the African Union Data Policy Framework.  The protocol on digital trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) calls for free flow of data while respecting privacy and security.  Mr. Akrobotu noted that Ghana’s alignment with these frameworks will help businesses leverage cloud services, fintech platforms and artificial‑intelligence systems while safeguarding personal data.

In a Q&A session, participants asked about the use of AI in recruitment and the rights of candidates subjected to automated decisions.  Mr. Akrobotu clarified that individuals have the right to be informed when automated decision‑making is used and may request a human review of decisions.  He reminded employers that data‑driven technologies must be deployed responsibly and that individuals have the right to explain the circumstances behind adverse inferences.  Such safeguards protect privacy while allowing innovation. He also clarified that companies outside of Ghana can still register with the DPC after they receive a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Finally, the DPC highlighted its Privacy Seal programme, which recognizes organizations that demonstrate strong privacy practices and compliance.  Businesses were encouraged to apply for the seal as a public commitment to accountability.  The Chamber will continue working with the DPC to ensure members have access to training and guidance.