Aussies crumble to South Africa

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) has launched an investigation into the public release of personal data for 1,964 Ghanaians who were evacuated from South Africa. In a statement on October 20, 2026, the DPC expressed serious concerns over the disclosure of sensitive information such as names, signatures, and financial assistance records of these individuals.

The Commission highlighted potential risks including public scrutiny, identity theft, fraud, and other forms of harm, particularly for those who have faced safety threats. Under Ghana's Constitution, specifically Articles 15(1) and 18(2), the DPC emphasized the protection of human dignity and privacy rights. Additionally, the Data Protection Act 2012 (Act 843) outlines requirements for lawful and reasonable processing of personal data, data minimization, and the legal grounds for processing such information.

While acknowledging the importance of transparency, parliamentary oversight, and the right to information, the DPC stressed that unrestricted disclosure of personal data does not automatically justify public accountability. The Commission has called on the Minority Caucus of Parliament, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Joy News, and other media organizations to exercise due diligence and take protective measures, such as restricting or redacting public identifiers whose disclosure cannot be legally justified.

The DPC will conduct a thorough regulatory review, examining the legal basis for disclosures, safeguards applied, and the extent to which privacy rights have been protected. Non-compliance could result in regulatory action in line with the Data Protection Act. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing data protection laws, ensuring that the right to privacy and personal dignity remains central to public accountability.