Cybersecurity Expert Warns on Tourism Safety and Data Protection in Ghana
Cybersecurity expert Dunstan Guba has called for stronger systems to ensure safety and security in Ghana’s tourism sector, highlighting the need for more robust data verification and crime-prevention measures.
In a candid interview on Roots and Routes on ZED FM, Guba emphasized that tourism is more than visiting scenic locations. “We always think tourism is about physical infrastructure, going to new places, seeing waterfalls, or visiting landmarks. But it transcends beyond that. It has to do with the culture of the people you are visiting, their expression, and their freedoms. Once we understand that, we can better protect those rights while enjoying sightseeing,” he said.
Guba raised concerns about the role of data collection and management in tourism facilities. “In Ghana, we have regulators like the Data Protection Authority,” he noted, referring to the Data Protection Act. “Holders of personal data are supposed to keep it in trust and protect it from unauthorized access. But the question is, what kind of data are operators keeping, and how efficiently can it be used when law enforcement needs it?”
He recounted instances where visitors misbehave or commit crimes, yet hotel operators are unable to provide accurate data. “Even when data exists, people can submit fake documents. We live in a digital world where identities can be forged, and law enforcement becomes handicapped because they cannot track individuals,” Guba explained.
Beyond basic security measures like magnetic detectors for weapons, Guba urged for more advanced screening tools. “Technology has advanced. Hidden cameras, smart glasses, and audio-recording devices can be threats. Facilities should consider spy-detector devices to check guests and luggage. These are things we currently lack, and it puts tourists and staff at risk.”
He further advocated for linking hotel registration systems to national databases to verify identities, much like banks do with the Ghana Card. “We need proactive measures rather than reacting after incidents occur. This discussion should start now if we are serious about tourism safety.”
Guba’s insights underscore the urgent need to integrate culture-aware tourism practices with modern cybersecurity and safety protocols, ensuring Ghana remains a safe destination for both locals and international visitors.
