In a move towards enhancing digital trust and ensuring seamless business operations online, Ghana’s Minister of Communications and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has unveiled plans to issue digital certificates for businesses. This initiative is set to transform how businesses are identified in the digital space, making it easier for them to operate securely and be recognized in online transactions.
The introduction of digital certificates, administered by the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), aims to reinforce the reliability and integrity of online business activities. As part of this initiative, all businesses in Ghana will soon be required to possess these digital certificates, which will serve as a digital seal of authenticity. This move is designed to tackle issues related to fraudulent activities and ensure that only legitimate businesses engage in digital transactions.
During the recent ICT Week celebration in Accra, Minister Owusu-Ekuful emphasized the importance of digital trust in today’s interconnected world. She highlighted that the digital certificates would not only simplify online identification for businesses but also enhance the overall security of digital transactions in the country. This initiative is part of a broader government strategy to foster a secure and trustworthy digital environment in Ghana.
The initiative also aligns with Ghana’s broader digital transformation agenda, which includes ensuring that all citizen documents, such as driver’s licenses and school certificates, are digitally signed by 2025. This effort underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve efficiency and safeguard the integrity of official documents.
In her address, Owusu-Ekuful reassured stakeholders of the government’s dedication to maintaining Ghana’s leadership in digital innovation. She noted that the introduction of digital certificates is a key step in building a robust digital economy where businesses can thrive without fear of cyber threats.
The Director-General of NITA, Richard Okyere-Ofosu, further explained that these certificates would be a mark of trust for businesses. He stressed the significance of public key infrastructure (PKI) in securing these digital certificates, ensuring that businesses identified by NITA are in good standing and can be trusted by consumers.
As Ghana continues to push the boundaries of digital innovation, the introduction of digital certificates is expected to play a critical role in establishing a secure, efficient, and reliable digital economy, positioning the nation as a leader in digital trust across the African continent.