“Think About How We Sign These Agreements” – Sam George Warns Over Health Data

According to JoyNews on Friday, October 23, 2026, Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has raised concerns about how agreements involving sensitive health data are negotiated and signed, urging authorities to carefully consider the implications before committing the country to such arrangements.

His warning has drawn attention to the growing importance of protecting personal information as Ghana continues to embrace digital technology and artificial intelligence. The minister’s concerns centre on the need to ensure that agreements involving health records and other confidential information adequately protect the privacy and interests of Ghanaian citizens.

Health data is among the most sensitive forms of personal information because it can reveal details about an individual’s medical history, diagnoses, treatment, medications and other private matters. If such information is mishandled, exposed or accessed without proper authorisation, it could have serious consequences for the people concerned.

Sam George’s remarks highlight the need for government institutions to exercise caution when entering agreements with external organisations or technology providers that may process or store sensitive information. Before signing such agreements, authorities must understand how the data will be collected, used, stored, transferred and protected.

The issue has become increasingly important as governments explore artificial intelligence and other digital tools to improve public services. These technologies can support medical research, assist healthcare professionals and help institutions analyse information more efficiently. However, their benefits must be balanced against the risks associated with sharing confidential information.

One major concern is whether agreements clearly establish who has access to the data and what they are permitted to do with it. Without appropriate safeguards, sensitive information could potentially be used for purposes beyond those originally intended.

Questions about where health data is stored and which laws govern its processing are also important. When information is handled by foreign technology providers, authorities need to understand the contractual protections available and the legal obligations that apply to the organisations involved.

The minister’s warning also raises broader questions about Ghana’s digital sovereignty and the country’s ability to maintain control over important national information. As public institutions adopt more advanced technologies, the government must ensure that decisions about data sharing do not undermine national interests or weaken the privacy rights of citizens.

Appropriate agreements should establish clear responsibilities for protecting information, responding to security incidents and preventing unauthorised access. They should also provide effective mechanisms for monitoring compliance and holding organisations accountable when they fail to meet their obligations.

For the healthcare sector, these safeguards are particularly important because patients need confidence that their personal information will remain confidential. If people fear that their medical records could be exposed or misused, they may become reluctant to share important details with healthcare professionals, potentially affecting the quality of care they receive.

Ghana’s data protection framework provides an important foundation for safeguarding personal information. However, effective protection also depends on how institutions implement the relevant rules, assess potential risks and ensure that contractual agreements reflect the country’s legal and security requirements.

The growing use of artificial intelligence makes these discussions even more urgent. Although AI systems can help improve healthcare delivery and administrative efficiency, sensitive medical information should not be entered into external platforms without appropriate authorisation and a clear understanding of the relevant data protection arrangements.

Sam George’s remarks serve as a reminder that agreements involving sensitive national information should not be treated as routine administrative exercises. They require careful scrutiny, technical assessment and a clear understanding of the long-term consequences.

As Ghana continues its digital transformation, the challenge will be to embrace technological innovation while ensuring that citizens’ personal information remains protected. The decisions made today about health data could have lasting implications for privacy, public trust and the country’s ability to manage its digital resources responsibly.

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