Lawyer and social commentator Oliver Barker-Vormawor has called for legislation to expressly prohibit Ghana from sharing critical health data with foreign countries and companies. This proposal comes in response to President John Dramani Mahama’s disclosure that Cabinet rejected a proposed United States health compact. The rejected compact had raised concerns over provisions requiring Ghana to provide its pathogen profile and medical records.
Reacting to the President’s comments in a social media post, Mr Barker-Vormawor welcomed the government’s decision to reject the proposal. However, he argued that Ghana needs stronger legal safeguards to prevent similar arrangements in the future. He emphasized the importance of protecting Ghana’s health data from being shared with foreign entities.
Mr Barker-Vormawor proposed that Ghana pass legislation expressly forbidding the sharing of critical health data with foreign countries or companies. He noted, however, that legislation could be amended by a future government, raising concerns about the long-term protection of Ghana’s health data. This highlights the challenge of ensuring lasting protection for the country’s health information.
Mr Barker-Vormawor also expressed concern that attempts to secure access to Ghana’s health data could return through different arrangements. These could include contracts with private health solutions companies or technology providers, potentially presented as health-sector solutions involving services, artificial intelligence, or other technologies.
He suggested that such arrangements could be contracted out by a minister under a sole sourcing arrangement. This raises questions about the ability of Ghana’s political leadership to protect the country’s interests over the long term. The lawyer’s comments have sparked renewed debate over the protection of Ghana’s health data and the terms attached to international health partnerships.
The issue has garnered significant attention, with some individuals, like Sarkodie, applauding President Mahama’s decision to reject the US health compact. The debate underscores the need for Ghana to establish clear guidelines and safeguards for protecting its health data.
As the country moves forward, it will be crucial for Ghana to consider the long-term implications of its health partnerships and ensure that its interests are protected. The proposed legislation aims to address these concerns and provide a framework for safeguarding Ghana’s health data.
Key points
- Lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor proposes legislation to prevent Ghana from sharing critical health data with foreign countries and companies.
- The proposed US health compact had required Ghana to provide its pathogen profile and medical records, raising concerns over data protection.
- Barker-Vormawor expresses concern that future governments could amend legislation, potentially compromising the long-term protection of Ghana’s health data.
