KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY HL JUSTICE JENNIFER DADZIE ON BEHALF OF THE HON. LADY CHIEF JUSTICE AT THE 2023 DATA PROTECTION AFRICA SUMMIT ON DECEMBER, 13, 2023 AT LABADI BEACH HOTEL, ACCRA
Source: judicial_service_of_ghana

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY HL JUSTICE JENNIFER DADZIE ON BEHALF OF THE HON. LADY CHIEF JUSTICE AT THE 2023 DATA PROTECTION AFRICA SUMMIT ON DECEMBER, 13, 2023 AT LABADI BEACH HOTEL, ACCRA The Executive Council of Africa Digital Rights Hub, The Advisory Council of the Data Protection Africa Summit, Data Protection Regulators of Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Uganda, Mauritius, and South Africa, Heads of Public and Private Institutions here present, Invited Guests, Distinguished Speakers, Participants of this august forum, ladies and Gentlemen. I bring you greetings and good wishes from the Honourable Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, H/L Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, who is unable to participate in person due to prior commitments and has tasked me to represent her at this Summit and on whose behalf I am delivering this keynote address. It is my distinct honour to address you today at this prestigious Data Protection Africa Summit as we gather under the theme "Building bridges for oversight and accountability" to delve into the realm of data protection oversight and accountability in African countries. In our ever-evolving digital landscape, where there is free flow of information and boundaries are blurred, the robust protection of personal data has become a paramount concern. African countries, including Ghana, face unique challenges in safeguarding the privacy and security of our citizens' data. Today, we stand united in our commitment to address these challenges and forge a path towards enhanced oversight and accountability. We must address these challenges head-on and build bridges that foster oversight and accountability. The challenges we face in data protection are multifaceted. Limited resources, inadequate legislation, and a lack of awareness, pose significant obstacles to establishing effective oversight mechanisms. As we gather here today, we must recognize the urgency of these issues and the need for collaborative efforts to overcome them, and commit ourselves to finding innovative solutions. Building bridges for oversight and accountability requires a collective endeavour and cooperation among all stakeholders. It necessitates the collaboration of governments, regulatory bodies, civil society organizations, and the private sector. Together, we can create a comprehensive framework that upholds data protection principles and ensures accountability for all stakeholders. By working hand in hand, we can bridge the gaps and establish a robust system of oversight and accountability. Building a bridge for oversight and accountability is therefore a complex process. It entails the recognition and acknowledgment of the myriad challenges to data protection oversight and accountability across Africa; the need to think outside the traditional notions of regulatory enforcement and compliance; the ever blurring of boundaries and transcending nature of personal data; as well as the recognition of the various stakeholders and the roles they must play if we can continue to guarantee the fundamental right to privacy of citizens. To help you appreciate this, permit me to use our country Ghana as an example; for oversight and accountability of the Data Protection Act to be achieved, all stakeholders must be up and doing. These include, but cannot be limited to the citizens or individuals whose understanding of the law and vigilance will prompt entities such as the regulator, private and public sector institutions, civil society and the judiciary, to action. But then, how do we ensure the protection of citizen’s personal data beyond our boundaries with the current digital technologies, global communication networks, and international business practices? Oversight and accountability beyond borders and jurisdictions, also call for bridges for collaboration at the regional, continental, and international levels. Whether regulatory co-operation, Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs), Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs), Privacy Shield, Adequacy Decisions, Consent, Tokenization, Data Protection Impact Assessments, just to mention a few; it is pertinent to explore mechanisms that ensure, where necessary, the safe and free movement of data beyond our boundaries for our sustainable socio-economic development. While we acknowledge the challenges, we must also celebrate the progress made in data protection oversight and accountability in African countries. Ghana, for instance, has taken significant strides in this regard. Our nation has enacted comprehensive legislation, established an independent data protection authority, and fostered a culture of transparency and accountability. These success stories serve as beacons of hope and inspiration for others. Technology and innovation play a pivotal role in strengthening data protection measures. As we embrace the digital revolution, we must invest in cutting-edge technologies that enhance data security. From encryption to artificial intelligence, these tools can bolster our efforts to ensure the security and integrity of data. However, our journey towards effective data protection oversight and accountability cannot be undertaken in isolation. African countries must come together, transcend borders, and share best practices. By fostering collaboration and cooperation, we can collectively address our challenges and build a stronger foundation for data protection in our continent. In conclusion, I call upon all stakeholders here today to seize this opportunity to build bridges for oversight and accountability in data protection. Let us harness the power of collaboration, innovation, and cooperation to create a future where the privacy and security of personal data are protected. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter, more accountable digital era in African countries. I’d like to commend Ms. Teki Akuetteh and the Conveners for coordinating this extraordinary summit. I wish you a productive and successful deliberations at this summit. On this note, and on behalf of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, I declare the summit open. Thank you. Prev Next