The National Information Technology Agency (NITA) has pushed back against criticism over proposed digital sector regulations and fees, saying the charges being challenged by some technology stakeholders are already grounded in existing legislation and not tied to a pending bill before Parliament.
In a statement , the agency rejected claims circulating on social media platform X that it was attempting to implement provisions of a future law before parliamentary approval.
“NITA’s authority did not begin with the proposed Bill,” the agency said, citing the National Information Technology Agency Act, 2008, the Electronic Transactions Act, 2008 and the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2022 as the legal basis for its regulatory functions.
The response comes amid growing debate within Ghana’s technology sector over the scope of the proposed NITA Bill and concerns that expanded registration, licensing and accreditation requirements could increase compliance costs for startups, fintech firms and digital service providers.
NITA said fee schedules and certification categories already exist under two Legislative Instruments passed by Parliament: the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations, 2023, known as L.I. 2481, and the 2025 amendment regulations, L.I. 2512.
The agency pointed specifically to accreditation fees of 20,000 cedis ($1,900) for fintech entities and 10,000 cedis for e-commerce service providers, arguing that the charges were explicitly contained in existing law rather than newly introduced through the pending bill.
“These fees reflect the regulatory burden of assuring safe, secure and resilient platforms and protecting the digital consumer,” NITA said.
The regulator also rejected allegations that it was acting outside its statutory powers, arguing that existing laws already authorize it to regulate ICT service providers, maintain registers of license holders and certify ICT professionals.
Under Sections 2 and 3 of the NITA Act, the agency said it has authority to regulate the provision of ICT services and perform functions necessary to achieve that mandate.
The controversy highlights broader tensions emerging across African technology markets as governments seek to tighten oversight of rapidly growing digital economies while startups and investors warn that excessive regulation could slow innovation and raise operating costs.
Ghana has positioned itself as one of West Africa’s emerging fintech and digital services hubs, attracting growing investment in mobile payments, e-commerce and financial technology.
NITA said the proposed bill undergoing consultation seeks to modernize Ghana’s digital governance framework to address areas including artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital identity systems and cross-border digital transactions.The agency added that the legislative process remains subject to stakeholder consultation, Cabinet review, scrutiny by the Attorney General and parliamentary approval before any new law can take effect.
“The process itself demonstrates constitutional compliance and democratic accountability,” NITA said.
