Cybersecurity and Data Expert, Mr. Samuel Kwame Adomako, has raised red flags over Ghana’s growing dependence on foreign companies to host government hospital databases, warning that the move poses grave cybersecurity and national security risks.
Speaking on the Ghanakoma Morning Show on Akoma 87.9 FM in Kumasi, hosted by Sir John, Mr. Adomako expressed concern that many public hospitals, including the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), are experiencing database malfunctions because their data systems are hosted and managed outside Ghana.
“The software used by these health facilities is not developed by Ghanaian companies, but rather by foreign entities,” he said.
“Hosting our public data abroad puts us at risk and limits our control over critical national information.”
Database Failures Disrupt Hospital Operations
Recent reports suggest that several government hospitals, including Ejisu, Suntreso, and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, have suffered severe database breakdowns, forcing staff to revert to manual folder systems for patient record-keeping.
This development has led to longer waiting times, data retrieval challenges, and growing frustration among patients and medical staff.
A tour of these facilities revealed that the malfunctioning electronic systems have disrupted the smooth running of hospital operations, significantly affecting healthcare delivery.
Expert Criticizes Neglect of Local IT Talent
Mr. Adomako questioned the government’s decision to host sensitive public databases abroad when Ghana has capable local IT experts and companies who can manage such systems efficiently.
“We have competent IT professionals and firms in Ghana who can handle these projects,” he emphasized.
“It’s disheartening that our government continues to overlook local expertise while outsourcing to foreign companies.”
While he commended the government’s effort to centralize data systems, he strongly opposed the idea of entrusting such critical information to external entities.
Commendation for “One Million Codes” Initiative
Mr. Adomako praised the Mahama administration’s “One Million Codes” initiative, which was designed to train Ghanaian youth in IT and coding skills, describing it as a visionary move toward technological independence.
However, he lamented that the current administration has not effectively utilized the pool of skilled youth trained under the program.
“The government has failed to leverage these homegrown experts, instead relying on foreign IT contractors,” he said.
Risks of Hosting Data Abroad
The cybersecurity expert highlighted several dangers associated with hosting sensitive government data on foreign servers, including:
- National Security Risks: Foreign entities may have unauthorized access to sensitive data.
- Data Sovereignty Issues: Ghana loses full control and legal authority over its data when hosted abroad.
- Limited Access: Technical or diplomatic challenges could restrict access to crucial national databases.
- Economic Loss: Outsourcing IT services drains resources that could support local tech companies.
“When our health data, citizens’ information, and institutional records are stored abroad, we compromise our sovereignty and expose ourselves to vulnerabilities that could be exploited,” he warned.
Call for a Policy Review
Mr. Adomako urged the government to revisit its data hosting policies and prioritize local expertise in managing public sector databases. He recommended investing in state-of-the-art data centers within Ghana and empowering indigenous IT firms to take charge of national information systems.
“If we want to protect our data, build our IT sector, and create jobs, we must trust Ghanaians to handle Ghana’s data,” he concluded.
