Beyond the Wallet: Mapping Privacy Compliance in Ghana’s Fintech Ecosystem

Isaac Haizel, Ashley Timean, Mubarak Hussein

Keywords: Data Governance, Privacy, Ethics, Fintech, Mobile Financial Services

TL;DR: Privacy Compliance in Ghana’s Fintech Ecosystem

Abstract: This study examines data privacy compliance within Ghana’s expanding financial technology (fintech) sector, where digital inclusion advances amid growing data governance gaps. Employing a mixed-methods design, it integrates policy analysis, technical inspection, and a user survey to assess adherence to the Data Protection Act (DPA). Findings reveal notable deficiencies in informed consent, data minimality, retention practices, and the clarity of user rights and disclosures. Security practices often fall short of the DPA mandates by prioritizing transit encryption over robust at-rest protections and regular testing. The study contributes an empirical framework to guide regulatory enforcement, enhance user awareness, and strengthen privacy governance in Ghana and comparable emerging digital markets.

Email Sharing: We authorize the sharing of all author emails with Program Chairs.

Data Release: We authorize the release of our submission and author names to the public in the event of acceptance.

Submission Number: 10