Ghana has made significant strides in cybersecurity by establishing the National Cybersecurity Secretariat in 2017, its transition to the National Cyber Security Centre in 2018 and now the Cyber Security Authority in 2021.
These developments have positioned Ghana as a notable player in global cybersecurity, recognised by the International Telecommunications Union’s Global Cybersecurity Index and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model.
The Minister for Communication and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, disclosed this at the 2024 Cybersecurity Awards Night in Accra.
The Minister credited President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his continued support, which has been instrumental in the establishment of the Cyber Security Authority.
The Minister also outlined key areas in the revised National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy, which included Strategic Investments: Enhancing cybersecurity infrastructure, Early Warning System: Prompt incident response, Critical Information Infrastructure Protection: Safeguarding vital digital assets and Cybersecurity Research: Fostering innovation and development.
Mrs Owusu-Ekuful noted the importance of shared responsibility in cybersecurity, acknowledging the contributions of individuals and organisations across the ecosystem.
She cited local and international partners, including the African Union Commission, ECOWAS, UNICEF and the United States’ Security Governance Initiative.
The progress, she noted, is particularly significant despite the growing threat of disinformation.