President Akufo-Addo touts’ Ghana’s Cybersecurity Milestones Amidst Ongoing Challenges

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has emphasized Ghana’s notable progress in cybersecurity, affirming the government’s commitment to building a secure digital economy.

Speaking at the 2024 Cybersecurity Awards Night in Accra, he announced that Ghana’s cybersecurity ranking has surged from 32.6% in 2017 to an impressive 99.27% today on the ITU’s Global Cybersecurity Index.

The President credited these advancements to his administration’s digitalization agenda, which includes significant initiatives like mobile money interoperability, the Ghana QR payment system, and the national identification system, all contributing to the country’s economic transformation.

He highlighted the dual nature of the digital landscape, recognizing both the opportunities it presents and the increasing cyber threats that accompany it.

“In this ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, the numbers are a stark reminder of the work before us,” he noted, referencing the 2024 IBM Cost of Data Breach report that indicated an average data breach costs nearly $4.9 million.

The Awards Night, organized by the Cybersecurity Authority (CSA) under the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization, celebrated individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to enhancing Ghana’s cybersecurity landscape.

The event underscored the importance of collaboration among public and private sectors, academic institutions, and other strategic partners.

President Akufo-Addo pointed out that Ghana has, since 2017, laid a strong foundation for a resilient digital economy through strategic policies.

He mentioned the establishment of the National Cyber Security Inter-Ministerial Advisory Council and the creation of the National Cyber Security Authority as key steps in fortifying the nation’s defenses against cyber threats.

“These institutions are vital for securing critical sectors such as banking, energy, and health, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by safeguarding our infrastructure and fostering inclusive, resilient communities,” he said.

The President also highlighted the Safer Digital Ghana campaign launched in 2018, which has raised awareness about cyber hygiene among various demographics.

He noted that Ghana’s international collaborations, including the ratification of essential conventions on cybercrime and hosting the Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building, which produced the Accra Call—an initiative aimed at enhancing cyber resilience in developing countries.

He said the revised National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy, which aligns with global standards to mitigate cyber risks, positioning Ghana as a regional leader in cybercrime prevention.

The President reiterated the government’s commitment to the National Child Online Protection Framework, aimed at creating a safer online environment for children, and called on all stakeholders to work together to protect youth from online threats.

The event also marked the end of the National Cyber Security Awareness Month, which focused on combating misinformation and disinformation in the context of upcoming elections.

President Akufo-Addo congratulated the award recipients for their contributions to advancing Ghana’s cybersecurity agenda and urged continued collaboration among all stakeholders to build a safer digital future for the country.

The Minister for Communication and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful highlighted projections from Cybersecurity Ventures estimating that cybercrime could cost the global economy over $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, underscoring the need for robust cybersecurity policies.

She commended Stakeholders for their undiluted dedication and collaboration in shaping the country’s cybersecurity landscape.

“From government agencies to private sector partners, from academia to civil society, each one of you has played a crucial role in enhancing our national security framework. Together, we have created a culture of cybersecurity awareness and responsibility that is essential in today’s digital world. It reflects the hard work put in by many, and it highlights our potential as a leader in cybersecurity on the global stage,” she said

Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Director General of the CSA, praised the President for his visionary leadership, which has significantly improved Ghana’s standing on the Global Cyber Standards Index.

He acknowledged the critical role played by Communications and Digitalization Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful in translating the President’s vision into actionable strategies, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan support in Parliament for the success of national cybersecurity initiatives.