Cybersecurity and Data Expert, Mr. Samuel Kwame Adomako, has expressed concerns about the safety of hosting government hospital databases outside Ghana.
He mentioned that allowing public institutions’ databases to be hosted by foreigners poses significant risks.
Recent reports indicate that most government hospitals, including the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, have experienced database malfunctions, hindering staff access to critical information.
A tour to some government health facilities suggested that many have resorted to the manual folder system, resulting in long waiting hours and growing frustration among patients.
At the Ejisu, Suntreso, and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals, medical officers have reverted to the old folder system to record patients’ medical records.
Speaking on Ghanakoma morning show on Akoma 87.9FM in Kumasi with Sir John, Mr. Adomako attributed this issue to the government’s decision to host these databases outside the country.
“The software used by these health facilities is not developed by Ghanaian companies, but rather by foreign entities,” he said.
The prominent IT and cybersecurity expert questioned the rationale behind hosting public institutions’ databases abroad when there are competent local IT experts and companies in Ghana.
While acknowledging the NPP government’s initiative to centralize data across the country as a step in the right direction, he kicked against the decision to overlook local expertise.
“We have capable IT professionals and companies in Ghana who can handle these projects,” he emphasized.
He commended Mahama administration’s “One Million Codes” initiative, which aims to train Ghanaian youth in IT skills.
But, he expressed concern that the current government has not leveraged the expertise of these trained individuals, instead relying on foreign companies for IT work.
He touched on the potential consequences of hosting sensitive government data abroad, including security risks and limited access to critical information.
He appealed to the government to reconsider its approach and prioritize local expertise in managing public institutions’ databases.
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