Strengthening digital defenses: Ghana’s urgent battle against rising cybercrime

As Ghana increasingly integrates digital technology into its economy and daily life, robust cybersecurity has never been more critical. The rapid expansion of online services has exposed individuals, businesses, and institutions to a growing array of cyber threats, from phishing scams to sophisticated ransomware attacks.

In 2020 alone, reported cases of cybercrime surged from 1,500 to over 4,000, indicating a troubling upward trend that necessitates immediate attention. With only 30% of the population aware of basic cybersecurity practices, there remains a significant gap in public understanding that compromises the overall security posture.

To address these escalating threats, Ghana government has implemented key initiatives, including the enactment of the Cybersecurity Act of 2020 and the establishment of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA). These measures aim to create a comprehensive framework for protecting critical information infrastructure and promoting better cybersecurity practices among citizens and organizations.

However, despite these advancements, challenges persist. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often lack the resources and expertise to fend off cyberattacks, making them particularly vulnerable.

As the country grapples with its cybersecurity landscape, the contributions of the private sector become increasingly vital. Leading financial institutions, telecommunications companies, and tech firms are stepping up their investments in cybersecurity solutions and public awareness campaigns. With collaboration between governmental bodies and private entities, Ghana can bolster its defenses and create a more secure digital environment.

Despite Ghana’s rising cybercrime threats, it achieved Tier 1 status in the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), underscoring its leadership in adopting cybersecurity measures and promoting better practices.

Government Initiatives in Cybersecurity

The Ghana government has undertaken substantial measures to address the escalating threats in cyberspace, with the establishment of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), marking a pivotal development.

The CSA was created to lead the nation’s efforts in regulating, coordinating, and enforcing cybersecurity policies and initiatives. This authority is vital in safeguarding the country’s critical information infrastructure and ensuring that public and private institutions adhere to established cybersecurity standards.

In conjunction with the CSA, the Cybersecurity Act, 2020, represents a significant legislative advancement. This act establishes the legal framework for managing cybersecurity risks, protecting sensitive data, and responding to cyberattacks.

The Act empowers the CSA and other relevant stakeholders to take decisive actions to prevent and address cyber incidents. Furthermore, it introduces penalties for non-compliance, thereby enhancing accountability across various sectors.

According to the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), Ghana has excelled in establishing legal and technical measures to enhance its cybersecurity landscape. The country’s Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT) plays a crucial role in detecting and responding to cyber threats, while the Cybersecurity Act 2020 provides a robust legal framework.

The government’s commitment to cybersecurity is also evident through targeted efforts to protect critical national infrastructure, including sectors such as finance, telecommunications, and energy systems. These sectors are particularly susceptible to cyberattacks, and their protection is essential for ensuring national security and economic stability.

Additionally, the CSA has launched National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an annual campaign designed to educate the public about cybersecurity threats and promote best practices. These public education initiatives aim to raise awareness among citizens and businesses alike, emphasizing the importance of cyber hygiene and responsible digital behavior.

Nevertheless, there are inherent strengths and weaknesses in the government’s approach. While the establishment of the CSA and the enactment of the Cybersecurity Act signify meaningful progress, challenges remain in areas such as enforcement, resource allocation, and inter-agency collaboration.

Furthermore, public awareness and the uptake of cybersecurity measures, particularly among small businesses and individuals, continue to lag the rapidly evolving threat landscape. Addressing these gaps will be crucial for cultivating a more resilient cybersecurity framework in Ghana.

Private Sector Involvement in Cybersecurity

The private sector in Ghana plays a critical role in protecting the country’s cybersecurity landscape, with financial institutions, telecommunications companies, and technology firms at the forefront of protecting sensitive data and ensuring the security of digital services.

These sectors are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks due to their significant reliance on digital infrastructure and the substantial volumes of valuable information they manage. In response, many leading organizations have invested in cybersecurity solutions and infrastructure, including advanced technologies such as firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems.

Key Initiatives by the Private Sector:

Capacity Building and Training: Large financial institutions and telecommunications companies are prioritizing employee training programs to enhance cybersecurity skills. Continuous education in recognizing phishing attempts, managing data breaches, and responding to cyber incidents is increasingly emphasized.

Robust Security Protocols: Several private institutions, especially financial institutions have established exemplary security protocols that serve as benchmarks for industry, demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding customer data and ensuring operational resilience.

Despite these proactive measures, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face distinct challenges in implementing robust cybersecurity strategies. Limited financial resources, lack of expertise, and insufficient awareness of potential cyber risks often render SMEs particularly susceptible to cyberattacks.

Many smaller businesses underestimate the severity of cybersecurity threats, making them attractive targets for malicious actors. There is an urgent need for enhanced outreach and support from both the government and larger private sector entities to help SMEs strengthen their cybersecurity defenses.

Challenges Facing Ghana’s Cybersecurity Landscape

Despite notable advancements in cybersecurity, Ghana continues to confront several significant challenges that impede the efficacy of its digital security framework. The following are some of the challenges.

Gaps in Policy Implementation and Enforcement 

Although Ghana has established foundational legislation, such as the Cybersecurity Act 2020, practical enforcement remains inconsistent. While Ghana has made significant progress, the GCI highlights the need for enhanced enforcement of existing laws and the allocation of more resources to bolster public and private sector cybersecurity efforts.

Limited resources, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and a deficiency of technical expertise within regulatory bodies hinder the effective implementation of these policies. As a result, critical national infrastructure and private enterprises remain vulnerable to cyber threats.

Inadequate Public Awareness and Education on Cybersecurity Risks

The general populace’s awareness of cybersecurity threats and best practices is alarmingly low. Campaigns like National Cybersecurity Awareness Month have been initiated, yet they often fail to reach rural areas and small businesses effectively. The lack of basic understanding regarding threats such as phishing, ransomware, and data breaches contribute to poor cyber hygiene, rendering both individuals and organizations susceptible to exploitation by cybercriminals.

Insufficient Collaboration between Government and Private Sector

A lack of coordination between governmental entities and private sector organizations hampers collaborative efforts to address cybersecurity challenges. This disconnect results in fragmented responses and weakens Ghana’s overall cybersecurity resilience. Enhanced partnerships focused on information sharing, joint training initiatives, and coordinated incident response strategies are essential for effectively mitigating cyber risks.

Resource Limitations in SMEs and Public Institutions 

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and public institutions often face severe resource constraints that inhibit their ability to invest in modern cybersecurity technologies or recruit skilled personnel.

SMEs typically prioritize immediate business operations over long-term security strategies, which leave them disproportionately exposed to cyberattacks. Public institutions are similarly affected, with outdated cybersecurity infrastructure that exposes their vulnerability.

Additional Challenges

The rapid expansion of digital services and online transactions has increased attack surfaces, while the sophistication of cyber threats continues to evolve. Compounding these issues is the ongoing brain drain, which undermines the retention of local cybersecurity talent.

Many skilled professionals are drawn abroad for better opportunities, exacerbated by Ghana’s low salary structure that fails to offer competitive compensation. This financial disparity diminishes motivation among cybersecurity staff, particularly when considering the costs associated with maintaining relevant certifications—often paid in U.S. dollars—without adequate remuneration to support such expenses.

Addressing these challenges necessitates a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach. Prioritizing consistent policy enforcement, enhancing public education initiatives, fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, and providing targeted support for resource-limited entities such as SMEs and government agencies will be vital in fortifying Ghana’s cybersecurity environment.

Conclusion

As Ghana navigates its digital transformation, the urgency for robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. With the increasing reliance on digital technologies, the country faces a rising tide of cyber threats that jeopardize personal, corporate, and national security.

While significant strides have been made through government initiatives like the Cybersecurity Act and the establishment of the Cyber Security Authority, the challenges remain formidable, particularly for SMEs that often lack resources and expertise.

The role of the private sector is equally critical, as financial institutions, telecommunications companies and technology firms take proactive steps to bolster security protocols and raise public awareness. Moving forward, a collaborative effort between governmental bodies, private organizations, and citizens is essential to creating a resilient cybersecurity framework.

By investing in education, public awareness, and robust security practices, Ghana can not only protect its digital infrastructure but also foster a culture of cybersecurity that assures confidence in its growing digital economy.

Addressing cybersecurity threats in Ghana requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes cooperation, ongoing education, and legislative support. Only through collective action can the nation secure its digital future and promote a safer online environment for all citizens.

 Gabriel is the Chief Inspector of Police, Certified in Cybersecurity | Msc. Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Candidate | Member, IIPGH

For comments, contact email gabrielametame@gmail.com, or phone number +233248132381