‘We’ve made giant strides in cybersecurity, digital revolution’
PRESIDENT Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has lauded Ghana’s strides in cybersecurity and digital transformation, emphasizing the government’s commitment to a secure, resilient, and inclusive digital economy.
Speaking at the Cybersecurity Awards Night in Accra, the President highlighted key initiatives, policy frameworks, and investments in infrastructure that have positioned Ghana as a leader in digital security.
“We have invested in critical infrastructure, developed regulatory frameworks, and fostered public-private partnerships that have propelled our cybersecurity agenda forward,” President Akufo-Addo stated.
Reflecting on Ghana’s digital development journey since 2017, he added, “Our government has prioritised the advancement of Ghana’s digital landscape as a crucial step towards national development, economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for our citizens.”
According to the President, Ghana’s Medium-term National Development Policy Framework (2022-2025) projects the digital economy’s contribution to reach 10% of GDP by 2025, underscoring the role of technology in the nation’s economic agenda.
Ghana’s achievements in cybersecurity have been bolstered by the passage of the Cybersecurity Act 2020 (Act 1038), which provides a robust framework for safeguarding digital spaces.
The act led to the establishment of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), a body tasked with uniting stakeholders and spearheading a range of cybersecurity initiatives.
“The CSA has played a critical role in coordinating efforts to secure our digital infrastructure, develop policies, and implement strategies to protect our digital assets,” the President said.
The CSA’s initiatives include training programs, public awareness campaigns, and strategic partnerships, which have equipped organizations and individuals to address emerging cyber threats and adopt best practices.
Licensing and accrediting cybersecurity professionals and service providers have also set Ghana apart globally, with the country being the second, after Singapore, to implement such rigorous standards.
The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, outlined Ghana’s comprehensive cybersecurity policy, emphasizing the importance of continual risk assessment and technology adoption to protect citizens.
“Our policy framework is designed to keep us proactive against evolving digital threats,” she said, commending government agencies, private sector partners, academia, and civil society for their roles in enhancing the country’s cybersecurity landscape”.
Highlighting the urgency of cyber resilience, Cybersecurity Ventures projects that cybercrime will cost the global economy over $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. Recognizing this, the CSA has introduced licensing standards to elevate cybersecurity service quality, instilling confidence among Ghanaian businesses and consumers.
President Akufo-Addo extended congratulations to the CSA for the successful organization of this year’s National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM), themed ‘Combating Misinformation and Disinformation in a Digitally Resilient Democracy: Our Collective Responsibility.’
He encouraged stakeholders to educate communities on verifying information, stating, “Together, we can counter the spread of false narratives that threaten our democratic processes and create a more informed electorate.”
As Ghana moves forward, the President urged continued collaboration among stakeholders to combat the ever-evolving threats in cyberspace.
“The efforts you make in promoting cybersecurity awareness and best practices are pivotal in building a secure digital environment that empowers our citizens and strengthens national development,” he concluded, commending all award recipients for their contributions to Ghana’s cybersecurity advancement. President Akufo-Addo’s remarks signal Ghana’s commitment to a robust digital future, with cybersecurity as a foundation for economic growth and national security.
