The Electronic Transaction Bill, which seeks to regulate electronic communications and transactions in accordance with National Information and Communication Technology Policy, is expected to be laid before Parliament for scrutiny and deliberation this week.

Finishing touches, as regards petty flouting regulations on the drafted document have been completed by the Attorney General's Department and select committee's of Cabinet and the document is ready for Cabinet’s assessment and approval, according to the Outgoing Minister of Communications, Mike Oquaye, in an interview with The Statesman.

The bill is meant to remove and prevent barriers to electronic communications and transactions. It is also geared towards the promotion of legal certainty and confidence in electronic transaction. When passed into law, it will ensure efficient use and management of the country’s domain space. It will further protect the interest and image of the country from being compromised through the use of electronic communications.

When passed into law, the Act will oversee the recognition of electronic messages and original writings; retention of electronic records, and secure electronic records and digital signatures. It will enforce regulations on cyber fraud and facilitate the prosecution of offenders.

The telecommunication bill, when passed into law will provide regulations for control of electronic communications as well as broadcasting. Prof Oquaye disclosed that under the new law, the National Communication Authority will have clear cut guidelines and regulations to strengthen its capacity to operate efficiently, effectively and sustainably without fear or favour.

The NCA will have the requisite power to ensure telecommunication service operators deliver quality service and have the freedom to recommend their prosecution and withdrawal of certificate, as well as temporary suspension of licence.

The bill, after its passage will work in relation to the electronic government (e-governance) applications and intra-government communication. The e-governance project is designed to increase Information Communication Technology based jobs by 200% and enhance as well as raise export-led revenues generated by the ICT industry by $90 million per annum.

It also aims at protecting the interests of subscribers, purchasers and other users of electronic communication networks and broadcast services to meet the needs of Ghanaians in the event of war, natural disaster or public emergency.

The electronic transaction bill is one of three bills before the AG’s department undergoing legal restructuring after Cabinet approval. This includes the New Telecom Bill and the National Communication Authority Bill.

The NCA bill is being amended on the request of industry operators who have filed complaints about its regulations. The amendment will expect the NCA to make itself capable of considering how competitive constraints in Ghana might impede anticipated future developments in the telecom industry.

After its passage, stakeholders in the industry will expect the regulator to use various kinds of platforms to explain in simple terms, for the benefit of the consumer, industry practices that relate to call termination on each mobile network, which subject is key to the affordability of services by consumers and users of mobile phones.