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ELECTION INTEGRITY AT RISK: THE CYBERSECURITY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION’S ILLEGAL TRANSFER OF VOTERS.

  INTRODUCTION As Ghana prepares for its national elections on December 7, 2024, the integrity of the electoral process is under increasing scrutiny. A recent breach involving the illegal transfer of voters by a staff member of the Electoral Commission (EC) has exposed serious vulnerabilities in the EC’s digital voter management system. This breach, which led to the dismissal of the staff member, underscores critical weaknesses in the EC’s infrastructure—a key pillar of Ghana’s democracy. In today’s digital age, elections rely heavily on electronic systems to manage voter data and ensure accurate results. When these systems are compromised, as in the recent breach within the EC, they not only threaten sensitive voter data but also undermine the trust citizens place in the electoral process. Unauthorised access or manipulation of these systems can lead to inaccurate results, jeopardizing the fairness of elections and, ultimately, the foundation of democracy—the right to vote and hav
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DIGITALISATION AGENDA: USSD VOTER VERIFICATION PAYMENT COUNTERPRODUCTIVE

  INTRODUCTION The introduction of a 50p fee for the USSD on-line Voter Register verification in Ghana sparks significant concerns about the inclusivity and effectiveness of the nation’s digitalization agenda, particularly as it potentially hinders citizens' constitutional right to vote. While digital services are a critical component of modern governance, imposing costs on such essential fundamental constitutional functions risks alienating economically disadvantaged citizens and undermining voter participation. Ghana has made commendable strides toward embracing digitalization as a key driver of economic growth and improved governance. From the digitization of public services to the introduction of electronic payment systems, the government’s commitment to creating a modern, tech-savvy society is evident. However, the recent implementation of a fee for verifying voter registration via a USSD Voter Register Exhibition service (* 711* 51#) raises critical questions about whet
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ETHICAL AND LEGAL DIGITALISATION: PROTECTING OUR PERSONAL DATA AND UNSOLICITED MESSAGES

  INTRODUCTION            In Adam Smith's traditional economy, the primary factors of production are land, labour, capital, and entrepreneurship. In today's digital economy, these factors have evolved into information, skill, capital, and entrepreneurship, with personal data (digital asset) becoming a crucial asset for wealth creation. It is therefore imperative to protect personal data rigorously. Digitalization has become a new way of life, bringing transformative business models alongside significant ethical and legal considerations. The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is limited only by the innovation and skill associated with digital transformation. However, the mere capability to implement certain technologies does not imply ignoring ethical or legal justification for their use, similar to limitations in medical science innovation and capabilities. The true value of digital devices like the Ghana Card lies not in the card itself but in the i
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