By Jibril Abdul Mumuni, GNA
Accra, Dec. 8, GNA – Organisations and individuals in Data Protection and Privacy (DPP) were celebrated at the maiden edition of the PICCASO Awards Africa, held as a highlight of the Data Protection Africa Summit.
The awards is one of the foremost avenues for acknowledging institutions and individuals who are shaping impactful reforms in the data protection ecosystem.
The prestigious event, held in Accra, recognised outstanding individuals and organisations driving excellence, innovation, and compliance across the continent’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Mr Sam Nartey George, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, underscored the critical nature of data protection in his address.
He revealed that a significant portion of his day was spent defending the Ministry’s budget to strengthen the Data Protection Commission (NDPC), one of the night’s award winners.
The Minister emphasised that the success of critical national initiatives, including e-government, e-health, and e-education, hinged on the secure verification and processing of data.
He cited past failures in the SIM card registration process, which led to an unauthorised collection of biometric data by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and resulted in identity fraud and complaints from citizens.
To address that situation, the ministry would roll out a new SIM card registration in the first half of 2026, Mr George said.
The top honours went to pioneers across various categories, with a notable win for Ghana’s Parliament Data Protection Officer, Dr Gloria Sarku Kumawu, Deputy Clerk, who won the Outstanding DPO award.
The Privacy Team of the Year went to Paystack’s Data Protection and Privacy (DPP) team, while the Outstanding DPA award was presented to the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
Olumide Babalola LP, Nigeria, was named the Data Protection and Privacy Law Firm of the year.
The Most Innovative Data Privacy Project was secured by The Trust Seal Verification project by Npontu Technologies, Ghana.
The Most Impactful Privacy Product was presented to the e-DPO platform from The Data Protection Office of Mauritius.
Other winners included Komborerai Allan Manenji of the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe as the Rising Star, and Antoinette Essilfie of META won the Safeguarding Children’s Data award.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
8 Dec. 2025