The Convenor of the One Ghana Movement, Senyo Hosi, has commended the Minister of Communication, Digital Innovation and Technology, Sam George for his openness in sharing the draft Cyber Security Amendment Bill with the public for feedback.
This comes amid a wider national discussion on the proposed Cyber Security Amendment Bill. While some minority MPs including Ofoase-Ayirebi MP Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, have warned that the bill could endanger free speech, others see the public consultation process as a step toward more inclusive and transparent governance.
Speaking on Citi FM’s The Big Issue on Saturday November 1, Hosi said the move marks a refreshing change in how government engages citizens in policymaking.
“It’s been the first time in quite a long while that we saw something like this. The Minister of Communication had put out this draft bill officially out in public, put out QR codes for people to give their feedback and make an input in it.”
“Then I asked myself, when was the last time we actually had a draft bill like this come first to the people for us, the people, to officially make an input in this very public and open fashion,” he stated.
Mr. Hosi praised George for leading a process that promotes transparency and public participation. “I am saying this because I am impressed by what Sam George has done. He is moving governance to a different level.
“You may not like him, but what he has done is very commendable. He has opened the doors for all of us to participate in the process. That is how policy used to be done,” he said.
He added that this approach shows a commitment to transparency and accountability as required by Ghana’s constitutional principles.
“So if you are seeing policy this way and people don’t have to leak drafts to IMANI or leak drafts to One Ghana and government is now coming publicly, I think that transparency and accountability as required under the directive principles of state policy should be commended—and Sam George, I salute you,” Mr. Hosi stated.
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