Lawmakers are calling for better public involvement in creating new laws. The Member of Parliament for Effia, Isaac Boamah-Nyarko, supports engaging the public more. He is also a member of Parliament's Finance Committee. This is in response to the proposed National Information Technology Agency (NITA) Bill. The bill aims to give NITA more power. It wants NITA to oversee Ghana's entire digital world. Currently, NITA mainly coordinates public sector technology. Mr. Boamah-Nyarko said the current talks are good. He wants this to happen for all new laws.
Mr. Boamah-Nyarko appeared on JoyNews' Newsfile program on Saturday, May 30. He believes that public consultation should be a regular practice. "It should be part and parcel of our culture now," he stated. Many laws are now brought forward under certificates of urgency. This means laws are made very quickly. It leaves little time for MPs, experts, or the public to review them. The Effia MP worries that fast-tracking laws harms proper review. He noted that many laws from the current government pass rapidly. Some bills pass in less than 24 hours.
This rapid law-making limits important discussions. It reduces chances for stakeholders to share their views. He explained that even parliamentary committees face tight deadlines. These committees review bills before they go to the full Parliament. "In some cases, the bill comes to Parliament, it is referred to a committee, and within 24 hours the committee comes back to Parliament and the bill is passed into law," he observed. This speed prevents thorough assessment of potential impacts. It also discourages expert opinions and broad public feedback. Ghana's economic progress relies on well-thought-out policies. Rushed legislation could affect this growth.
The MP suggested relying only on ministries for consultation is not enough. Parliament itself needs time for independent study. It also needs to gather input from many citizens. Laws that affect many people must not be rushed. The NITA Bill consultations offer a good example. They show how government bodies can work with people before finalising laws. Mr. Boamah-Nyarko said, "I think it is very good." He hopes other ministries will follow this example. This approach ensures laws are more balanced and effective.
The expansion of NITA's role could significantly shape Ghana's digital economy. Such changes require careful consideration by all parties. This includes technology companies, consumers, and government agencies. A well-regulated digital space can foster innovation. However, overly strict rules might stifle growth. The Finance Committee member highlights the need for balance. His concerns reflect a broader debate about governance and public participation in Ghana. Ensuring transparency helps build trust in government processes.