{
  "id": 15970458,
  "title": "Think about how we sign these agreements – Sam George warns over health data",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/think-about-how-we-sign-these-agreements-sam-george-warns-over-health",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-21T23:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/think-about-how-we-sign-these-agreements-sam-george-warns-over-health-data/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations Minister Sam Nartey George has cautioned against the signing of agreements involving Ghana's health records, expressing doubts about the protection these deals may offer. Speaking at Joy News' Digital Economy Forum on AI and the Ghana Economy, George questioned whether contractual promises could safeguard Ghana's sensitive data from potential access under foreign laws. His concerns emerged as Ghana disagreed with the United States over data-sharing provisions in a proposed health compact.\n\nThe MP highlighted the need for closer scrutiny of agreements involving Ghana's health records, warning that assurances from foreign technology companies may not ensure control over the data. He emphasized that the perceived arrangement of sovereignty over data is a \"mirage\" often sold to African companies, including Ghana.\n\nGeorge's warnings came after exchanges with tech giants like Google and Amazon Web Services, where he was disappointed by the assurances provided. He pointed out that the US CLOUD Act could potentially override these assurances, directly impacting how Ghana handles its health information.\n\nThe Minister urged decision-makers to carefully examine both the agreements they sign and the platforms they utilize, especially when dealing with critical data like health records. He stressed the importance of rethinking the agreement-signing process and platform usage, particularly in the context of health information.\n\nGhana had previously rejected a proposed US health compact, raising concerns about data access, financing obligations, and regulatory authority. The US Embassy had disputed allegations that Washington sought identifiable patient records, stating that the proposed arrangement aimed to assess health programs using aggregate data. The US offered $109 million in assistance over five years, but President John Mahama later revealed that Washington had requested further discussions to amend or remove the contested clauses.",
  "summary": "Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations Minister Sam Nartey George has urged closer scrutiny of agreements involving Ghana’s health records.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Sam George announces national data exchange hub to connect 48 public registries",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/sam-george-announces-national-data-exchange-hub-to-connect-48-public",
        "published": "2026-10-21T22:04:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}