NiBS University is proud to celebrate one of our distinguished alumni, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, on receiving the Most Outstanding Data Protection Officer for Africa at the PICCASO Awards.
Dr. Kumawu, who serves as Deputy Clerk of Ghana’s Parliament and also doubles as the Data Protection Supervisor of Parliament, was selected from thousands of nominations submitted from across the continent. Her recognition reflects not only her personal dedication but also the growing importance of responsible data governance in today’s digital world.
The PICCASO Awards Africa honour individuals and institutions who are leading the way in data privacy, digital rights, and secure technology use. This year’s awards drew attention to the rising need for strong data protection structures across Africa, especially as digital systems expand into every sector of society.
In her remarks after receiving the award on behalf of Parliament, Dr. Kumawu highlighted that institutions must lead by example. Parliament passed Ghana’s Data Protection Act (Act 843), and according to her, it is essential for the very institutions that create laws to also demonstrate full compliance with them. Her work continues to inspire both public and private organisations to take data privacy seriously.
This recognition also speaks to a broader movement across the continent, one pushing for stronger regulation, safer data practices, and better protection of citizens’ digital rights. As more African nations adopt digital systems, the role of trained data protection professionals becomes increasingly critical.
At NiBS University, we believe that leadership is not just about titles, but about impact. Dr. Kumawu’s achievement is a reminder to our students, alumni, and partners that responsible leadership in the digital age requires integrity, technical knowledge, and a commitment to protecting people’s information. We congratulate Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu for this remarkable achievement and celebrate her continuous contribution to public service, data privacy, and institutional accountability across Africa.