GHANA CELEBRATES CYBERSECURITY EXCELLENCE

In a momentous evening that marked a significant milestone in Ghana’s digital evolution, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) held its inaugural awards night, honouring individuals and institutions that have made remarkable contributions to the country's cybersecurity landscape.

The event was graced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who received a special award for his visionary leadership in advancing Ghana’s cybersecurity initiatives and for the government's commitment to fostering a secure digital environment.

Also recognised for her key role was the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, for leading the government’s drive toward a resilient cyber future earning the country a Tier 1 status by the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Speaking at the event on November 1, 2024, the President underscored the important role of public and private sector collaboration in achieving Ghana’s cybersecurity milestones and protecting the government's digitalisation efforts.

“In 2017, our Capacity Maturity Model (CMM) was at a formative stage, with Ghana’s score in the Global Cybersecurity Index standing at a mere 32.6 per cent. Today, I am proud, as the president of the land that we have recently been ranked with a Tier 1 status in the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index, released by the International Telecommunication Union, with an impressive score of 99.27 per cent,” he said.

He added that the remarkable progress had been driven by a shared vision and collaborative efforts across various sectors to sustain Ghana’s digitalisation efforts. President Akufo-Addo urged the CSA and all stakeholders to strengthen the collaborative efforts to secure the nation’s digital future.

The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, charged all stakeholders to remain committed and work together to address the constantly evolving threats in cyberspace.

“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” she emphasised.

She congratulated the management and staff of the CSA for successfully organising this year’s National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM), under the theme, "Combating Misinformation and Disinformation in a Digitally Resilient Democracy: Our Collective Responsibility".

The Director-General of the CSA, Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support the Authority has received in advancing Ghana’s cybersecurity posture since 2017.

“I wish to commend both the 7th and the 8th Parliament for the support received from both sides of the house over the years. Cybersecurity is one area we have 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,” he added

Equally recognised were entities including the National Technical Working Group, the Joint Cybersecurity Committee, international partners and the media, who were awarded for their diverse contribution to the nation’s cybersecurity development.