The Ranking Member on Parliament's Information and Communications Committee, Matthew Nyindam, has called on the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, to prioritize reducing the cost of data and expanding digital access rather than pursuing what he describes as controversial policy initiatives.
Mr. Nyindam argued that Ghanaians expect the government to deliver tangible improvements in the digital sector, particularly in making internet services more affordable.
"We must get serious in this country. People queued to vote for the NDC and for the minister to come and serve them better. We have a lot of concerns under his ministry, and I will appeal to him to focus more on how best we can reduce data, how best we can make phone calls affordable and move away from the kind of things that he's been saying," he stated.
His comments come in response to a recent disclosure by Communications Minister Sam George that the government is considering a policy proposal that would require individuals to verify their identity before accessing pornographic websites in Ghana.
According to the minister, the proposal is intended to protect children from exposure to explicit online content and aligns with measures adopted in some other jurisdictions. However, Mr. Nyindam questioned the relevance and urgency of the initiative, arguing that it does little to address the pressing concerns of ordinary citizens.
"Today, he goes out there and he says that he's trying to bring a proposal to Parliament or even Cabinet that adults who want to access pornographic websites identify themselves with their ID cards. What are the benefits to the ordinary Ghanaian?" he asked.
"I want to go and watch a pornographic film somewhere, and you, as a minister, your concern is that you want to identify the person who is going to that website. What is the benefit to the ordinary Ghanaian who queued to vote for him?" he added.
Mr. Nyindam maintained that the ministry's attention should instead be directed toward addressing key digital and economic challenges, including reducing data prices, creating employment opportunities, and implementing major technology-driven programmes promised by the government.
He specifically referenced the government's flagship "One Million Coders" initiative, questioning the pace of its implementation.
"The young men who voted for him, the one million coders they've promised, how far has he been able to do that?" he queried.
The lawmaker also expressed concern over what he described as delays in the ministry's legislative agenda. He noted that despite earlier commitments to introduce several bills aimed at reforming the communications and digital technology sectors, no such legislation has yet been laid before Parliament.
"He has promised to bring 15 bills to Parliament; as we speak, not even a single bill is in Parliament," Mr. Nyindam said.
The remarks highlight growing debate over the government's digital policy priorities, with critics urging greater focus on affordability, innovation, and job creation, while supporters of the proposed online safety measures argue that stronger protections are needed to safeguard minors from harmful internet content.