Lawyer and Executive Director of Lands and Mines Watch Ghana, Kwame Owusu Danso, has urged Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George to take a more active role in protecting consumers in Ghana’s digital sector.
Mr. Danso made the remarks on JoyNews’ AM Show on Wednesday, May 27.
The discussion followed public debate over the suspension of a proposed 0.75 per cent charge on wallet-to-bank transfers.
Mr. Danso said the Communications Minister must stay focused on issues affecting ordinary Ghanaians.
“The Communications Minister must be up and doing. The Communications Minister, Hon. Sam George, he must be up and doing,” he said.
He argued that the minister appeared distracted from key issues affecting consumers in the digital and telecommunications space.
“It appears that he is taking his eyes off the ball, and I think that caution must be brought to him that he must always make sure that he has his eyes clearly fixed on what is relevant because it appears he is dabbling in irrelevant matters within that space, and we don’t want that to happen,” he stated.
Mr. Danso stressed that many vulnerable groups depend on the ministry to protect their interests in Ghana’s growing digital economy.
He mentioned traders, commercial drivers and teachers as groups that need stronger safeguards.
“The market woman needs protection, the ‘trotro’ driver needs protection, the teacher needs protection, and they can get this protection if the sector minister provides that protection for them,” he added.
The proposed levy would have imposed a 0.75 per cent charge on transfers from mobile money wallets to bank accounts from June 1.
However, Bank of Ghana later suspended the implementation following public criticism and concerns from stakeholders.
The central bank said the suspension would allow for further consultations on the policy.
