The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has sounded a strong warning over what he describes as the exploitation of Africa’s digital resources by global technology companies, calling on African nations to unite and protect the continent’s data sovereignty.

Delivering a speech at the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family Sovereignty and Values in Accra, the minister argued that Africa faces a new form of colonisation through the unchecked extraction and use of data generated by its citizens.

According to him, while Africa continues to seek justice and reparations for the historical injustices of slavery, the continent must also confront what he described as the modern-day exploitation of its digital assets.

“There is no nice diplomatic way of putting it. The stealing of African data must stop,” Sam George declared.

The minister stressed that African data has become a valuable resource in the digital economy and warned that multinational technology companies continue to benefit from it without sufficient accountability to African governments and citizens.

He called on African leaders to adopt a common position on data ownership and governance, insisting that the continent must retain control over how its data is collected, stored and utilized.

“We must own our data. We must determine the terms on which it is used and ensure that the benefits accrue to our people,” he stated.

Speaking to the media after his address, Sam George reinforced the message delivered during the conference, urging African countries to work together against what he termed external forces seeking to exploit the continent’s resources in the digital age.

The minister also linked the issue of digital sovereignty to broader concerns about the preservation of African values and identity, arguing that the continent must remain vigilant against external influences that threaten its cultural foundations.

His remarks have added momentum to growing conversations across Africa about data protection, digital governance, artificial intelligence and the influence of global technology companies on emerging economies.

As Africa’s digital transformation accelerates, Sam George’s call is likely to intensify debate over a critical question confronting policymakers across the continent: Should Africa continue to export its data wealth, or is it time to reclaim control of one of its most valuable resources.

Addressing issues surrounding LGBTQ rights, Sam George argued that African countries should learn from the experiences of some Western nations, which he said are now reassessing policies adopted over several decades.

He referenced developments in the United States, claiming that several states have enacted laws restricting aspects of LGBTQ rights, which he said demonstrates a shift in thinking on the issue.

The minister also cited what he described as a landmark international legal ruling on gender and maintained that African countries should take firm positions based on their cultural, religious and societal values.

According to Sam George, Africa must avoid what he described as decades of policy mistakes made elsewhere and instead chart its own course based on the aspirations and convictions of its people.

He further argued that discussions surrounding family values, cultural identity and digital sovereignty are interconnected, insisting that Africa’s future depends on its ability to control both its resources and its narrative.