Minister of Communication seeks legal review of key contracts to ensure transparency in Ghana’s digital transformation

In a move to uphold transparency and accountability in Ghana’s digital transformation agenda, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has formally requested a legal opinion from the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, Dominic Ayine, on several contracts signed under the Ministry. The request, outlined in a media advisory released on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, marks the first phase of a broader legal review process aimed at ensuring that all agreements align with the government’s commitment to good governance and public trust.

The contracts under review include those related to the commercialization of Ghana’s e-Government Infrastructure, awarded to Messrs Lebara Ghana Ltd and Smart Infraco Ghana Ltd, as well as the contract awarded to Messrs Kelni GVG Ltd for the design, development, and implementation of a Common Platform. These agreements are critical to Ghana’s digital transformation efforts, and the legal review seeks to assess their terms, compliance, and viability.

The commercialization of Ghana’s e-Government Infrastructure is a key initiative aimed at enhancing the delivery of public services through digital platforms. The contracts awarded to Messrs Lebara Ghana Ltd and Smart Infraco Ghana Ltd are central to this effort, and the Minister’s request for a legal opinion underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that these agreements are transparent, fair, and in the best interest of the nation.

By seeking legal guidance on the terms and compliance of these contracts, the Ministry aims to reinforce public confidence in the e-Government initiative and ensure that it delivers on its promise of improving service delivery and fostering digital inclusion.

In addition to the e-Government Infrastructure contracts, the Minister has requested a legal review of the contract awarded to Messrs Kelni GVG Ltd for the design, development, and implementation of a Common Platform. This platform is expected to play a vital role in traffic monitoring, revenue assurance, mobile money monitoring, and fraud management, all of which are critical to the security and efficiency of Ghana’s digital ecosystem.

The Common Platform is a cornerstone of the government’s efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in the telecommunications sector. By reviewing the contract, the Ministry aims to ensure that the platform is implemented in a manner that maximizes its benefits while safeguarding public resources and maintaining compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

The decision to initiate a legal review of these contracts reflects the Ministry’s dedication to upholding the principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability in all its dealings. The government has assured the public that updates will be provided once the Attorney General’s office delivers its legal opinion on the contracts.

As Ghana continues to embrace the opportunities of the digital age, initiatives like this legal review are essential to ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation are realized in a fair and equitable manner. By prioritizing transparency and accountability, the government is laying the groundwork for a digital ecosystem that serves the needs of all Ghanaians and drives sustainable development. For more updates on the legal review process and Ghana’s digital transformation agenda, stay tuned to official communications from the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations.

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye