Keep pushing to secure Ghana’s digital future – Akufo-Addo urges CSA, Stakeholders
President Akufo-Addo has charged the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) and all stakeholders in the sector to do everything within their mandate to ensure that Ghana’s digital future is secured noting that cyber security has become a vital component of the development of every country.
The President made this call in his keynote address at the Cyber Security Awards Night 2024 organised by Cyber Security Authority and the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation at Movenpick Ambassador Hotel on Friday, 1 November 2024.
In his address, the President observed that the Cyber Security Authority and its stakeholders have worked very hard over the last 8 years to lift Ghana from its 32.6% ranking on the ITU global Cyber security index to its current 99.27% rank placing the country among the world’s tier-one row models. To this end, he urged the CSA and all her stakeholders not to relent in their efforts to secure the nation’s digital future.
“In this era of digital transformation, cyber security is a cornerstone of achieving national development goals and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. With initiatives such as the Cyber Security Authority and the National Computer Emergency Response Team, we are positioned to respond to cyber threats swiftly.
“These institutions are crucial for securing critical sectors such as banking, energy, and health, contributing to the realisation of Sustainable Development Goals 8, 9, and 11 by safeguarding our infrastructure, promoting innovation, and fostering safe, inclusive, and resilient communities,” President Akufo-Addo remarked.
“Thanks to invaluable partnerships with international organizations such as the Council of Europe, the African Union (AU), UNICEF, and the World Bank, Ghana has fortified her cybercrime and data protection laws.
“Today, Ghana is a recognized regional leader in cybercrime prevention capacity building and serves as a training hub for cyber initiatives in Africa through the Council of Europe’s CE project.
“These achievements underscore our commitment to promoting justice, peace, and inclusive societies in line with SDGs 16 and 17. As you have been told, in 2017, Ghana ranked 32.6% on the ITU global cybersecurity index,” President Akufo-Addo further remarked.
“In 2020, this improved to 86.69% and today, we stand proudly at 99.27%, placing us among the world’s tier-one row models. This remarkable progress reflects our dedication to cyber security and our adherence to international best practices.
“This evening, we honour the tireless efforts of stakeholders who have contributed to Ghana’s cyber security journey. Your commitment is the backbone of our success and I encourage you to keep pushing for a secure digital future,” Akufo-Addo added.
Promoting cybersecurity
Minister for Communications and Digitalisation Ursula Owusu-Ekuful in her statement noted that one of the “crucial components of Ghana’s cybersecurity framework is the licensing and accreditation initiatives led by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA).” These initiatives, the Minister said, “are designed to streamline cybersecurity work and ensure that we have qualified professionals and organisations dedicated to protecting [Ghana’s] digital infrastructure.”
In her address, she also extended heartfelt congratulations to the management and staff of the CSA for successfully organising this year’s National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) and for choosing a theme [Combating Misinformation and Disinformation in a Digitally Resilient Democracy: Our Collective Responsibility] that resonates with the rest of the country as the nation heads to elections on 7 December.
“I urge everyone here to play a part in educating our communities about the importance of verifying information before sharing it. Together, we can combat the spread of false narratives that threaten our democratic processes and create a more informed electorate.
“As we look to the future, let us remain committed to fostering collaboration among all stakeholders. The threats we face in cyberspace are constantly evolving, and it is important that we work together to address them” Mrs Owusu-Ekuful said.
“I encourage each of you to continue your efforts in promoting cybersecurity awareness and best practices in your respective areas. Together, we can build a safer and more secure digital environment that empowers our citizens and enhances our national development,” Ursula Owusu-Ekuful added.
Bi-partisan support
Dr Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority on his part attributed the success of the Authority in securing Ghana’s Cyber security space to the bi-partisan support that it has enjoyed from the 7th and 8th Parliaments of the Republic. He therefore commended both the 7th and the 8th Parliament for the support received from both sides of the house over the years.
“Cybersecurity is one area in which the government has received cross-party support from the get-go. This is equally worth celebrating as a country – the fact that we can all demonstrate commitment to the realisation of a President’s vision, irrespective of the political divide.
“This collective commitment is what underpins Ghana’s cybersecurity achievements, and we should work to sustain this. I wish to thank the sector minister once again for her leadership in carrying both parties along on cybersecurity matters,” Dr Albert Antwi-Boasiako said.
The awards
Speaking on the awards given to deserving persons and institutions at the event, Dr Albert Antwi-Boasiako said they are “reflective not only of the country’s excellence but also of the collaborative spirit that is essential in [Ghana’s] collective fight against cyber threats.”
“These awards highlight the power of collaboration and the importance of uniting diverse stakeholders in executing the vision of the man who was given the mandate by Ghanaians almost eight years ago to lead our nation.
“We will also acknowledge the hard work and dedication of CSA staff for demonstrating exceptional commitment to the realisation of the President’s vision,” Antwi-Boasiako indicated.
The Objective of the Cybersecurity Awards Night is to recognise key individuals and institutions that have played significant roles in laying the foundational framework for cybersecurity development in Ghana.
Another objective is to highlight the contributions of partners who have collaborated with the CSA to advance its mission, through public-private partnerships, academic collaborations, and other forms of strategic alliances that have been instrumental in its growth.