Protecting Our Privacy: A Call to End the Misuse of Subscriber Data by Political Parties in Ghana

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By Richard Agodzo

In Ghana, the lead-up to elections often reveals a peculiar breach of privacy. Suddenly, political parties seem to have an uncanny ability to reach out directly to us via our registered telephone numbers, bombarding us with campaign messages and requests for votes. For many, this raises an important question: how did these parties obtain our private contact information?

The situation highlights a disturbing reality – a breach of trust by the very telecommunication networks we rely on. As subscribers, we enter into an implicit contract with our service providers to safeguard our data. While there may not always be a formal agreement stipulating this protection, the principles of privacy are clear. The unauthorized sharing of our personal data with political entities constitutes a breach of privacy and, potentially, the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843) of Ghana.

The Role of Telecommunication Networks

Telecommunication companies act as custodians of our personal information, which includes phone numbers and other sensitive data. The Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843), clearly outlines the responsibilities of data controllers and processors to ensure the confidentiality and security of personal information. Section 17 of the Act emphasizes that data controllers must obtain the consent of individuals before processing their personal information for any purpose beyond the original intent for which it was collected.


When telecommunication networks share subscribers’ data with political parties without explicit consent, they undermine the trust placed in them by their customers. Worse still, such actions could be construed as profit-driven, where the sale of data becomes a side hustle to capitalize on the desperation of political parties during election seasons. Yet, as subscribers, we often lack concrete evidence to prove such transactions, leaving us with a sense of violation but without recourse.

Privacy and Public Health: A Contrast

A striking contrast emerges when we consider how telecommunication networks were used during the COVID-19 pandemic. In that context, the dissemination of health information via SMS alerts was both ethical and essential. Updates on safety protocols, vaccination drives, and lockdown measures served the public good, justifying the use of such communication channels. However, even in such cases, transparency and consent should have been maintained.


Political messaging, on the other hand, serves no such universally beneficial purpose. Instead, it erodes public trust and leaves citizens questioning the sanctity of their personal information. Political campaigns are not emergencies, and they should not override the basic right to privacy.

Why the Data Protection Act Matters

The Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843), exists to prevent exactly these types of abuses. It ensures that individuals have control over their personal information and that organizations collecting such data adhere to principles of accountability, transparency, and security. Specifically: Section 18 mandates that data controllers inform individuals about the purpose for which their data is being collected. Section 20 allows individuals to object to the processing of their personal data for marketing purposes. Section 27 sets penalties for breaches, including unauthorized access or disclosure of personal data.

If telecommunication companies are indeed sharing subscriber data with political parties, they are not only violating their ethical obligations but may also be flouting the law.

A Call to Action

It is time for both telecommunication companies and political parties to respect the privacy of Ghanaian citizens. Regulators like the Data Protection Commission must take a proactive stance in investigating and addressing such breaches. Subscribers, too, have a role to play: we must demand accountability, report violations, and insist on transparency in how our data is handled.


To build a digital ecosystem founded on trust, privacy must remain non-negotiable. Political parties should find ethical and lawful ways to reach voters, and telecommunication networks must prioritize the interests of their subscribers over short-term profits. Only then can we protect the sanctity of our personal information and ensure that our phones remain a tool for connection, not intrusion.










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