Explainer: Political messaging- Understanding the law

As the political temperature heats up in Ghana, citizens are increasingly receiving personalized messages on their phones—from birthday greetings to rallying calls for support, policy ideas, and announcements of campaign tours.

This trend raises important questions about the appropriateness of such direct political messaging and the legal implications.

The Concerns of Netizens

Many netizens are expressing concern over how and why they are receiving these targeted messages. With smartphones becoming a central hub for communication, unsolicited political outreach has become commonplace, leading to privacy concerns among the electorate.

What Does the Law Say?

Under Ghana’s Data Protection Act, specific provisions regulate how personal data can be used for direct marketing purposes. Section 39 stipulates that individuals may only receive such messages if they have provided written consent for their data to be shared with third parties.

Similarly, Section 40 emphasizes that the owners of personal data cannot use, obtain, or provide information related to a data subject for direct marketing without prior written consent.

Private legal practitioner Nicholas Lenin Anane Agyei describes this situation as a “festering illegality” affecting Ghanaians. He argues that many citizens are unaware of their rights regarding data privacy and the legal protections available to them.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, staying informed about your rights is essential in navigating this new era of direct political communication.

Source:onuaonline.com