Ghana is set to launch a reviewed national cybersecurity strategy in October, following approval from the Cabinet.
This move aims to enhance the country’s efforts in combating cyber threats, building on its reputation as the third country in Africa committed to dealing with cyber-attacks, as ranked by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in 2020.
The National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy outlines five key objectives; building a resilient digital ecosystem, and developing a robust digital infrastructure to safeguard against cyber threats.
Securing digital infrastructure by protecting critical information infrastructures from cyber attacks and developing national capacity by enhancing the skills and expertise of cybersecurity professionals.
The rest are; deterring cybercrime through the implementation of effective measures to prevent and respond to cybercrime and strengthening cooperation as well as fostering regional and international collaboration to combat cyber threats.
The Director of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, Kwame Baah-Acheamfour who spoke on behalf of the sector minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, said Ghana’s participation in cyber drills, such as the Regional Cyber Drill, is crucial in testing and refining its incident response and coordination procedures.
The Director-General of Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, has sounded the alarm on the rapidly evolving cyber threats landscape, citing alarming data from the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and Cybersecurity Ventures.
These threats not only pose significant financial risks but also compromise national security and individual privacy.
Despite these challenges, Ghana has made notable strides in bolstering its cybersecurity framework.
With assistance from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the country established its National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-GH) in 2014, which later merged with the Cyber Security Authority in 2017.
Dr. Antwi-Boasiako pointed out some key milestones achieved by CSA; he explained that since March 2023, the CSA has been licensing Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs) and accrediting Cybersecurity Establishments (CEs) and Professionals (CPs), positioning Ghana as a global leader in regulatory frameworks.
He added that as of September 2024, the CSA has registered an impressive 1,433 cybersecurity professionals, 64 cybersecurity establishments, and 246 service providers.
The CSA ensures regulatory compliance with the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), certifying that CSPs, CEs, and CPs operate within Ghana’s fast-developing digital ecosystem.
These efforts demonstrate Ghana’s commitment to safeguarding its digital landscape and protecting its citizens from the escalating threat of cybercrime.
As the global cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, Ghana’s proactive approach will be crucial in staying ahead of potential threats.
Assistant Director of Cybercrime Operations at Interpol’s Cybercrime Directorate, Enrique Hernandez Gonzalez highlighted the primary focus of the upcoming cyber drill: combating ransomware and digital extortion, two tactics frequently employed by online fraudsters.
This drill is crucial in equipping participants with the necessary skills to counter these pervasive threats, ultimately strengthening cybersecurity resilience.
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