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The National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) 2022 has been launched in Accra on the theme: “Regulating Cybersecurity: A Public-Private Sector Collaborative Approach” with a call on Ghanaians to develop a cybersecurity culture.

The Vice President, Dr. Alhaji Mahamadu Bawumia made the call in a keynote address read on his behalf by the Minister for Public Enterprises, Hon. Joseph Cudjoe on October 3, 2022.

“As businesses and individuals, we must develop the needed cyber security consciousness to help mitigate cybercrimes, which according to statistics are caused by human actions in about 90 percent of the cases”, he reiterated.

The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Hon. Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, in a speech read on her behalf by the Deputy Minister, Hon. Mrs. Ama Pomaa Boateng, indicated that as part of efforts to enhance Ghana’s cyber resilience, “the Ministry, through the CSA, has identified priority areas which are necessary for ensuring a secure cyber ecosystem. The licensing of cybersecurity service providers and the accreditation of cybersecurity professionals is one such areas”. She made it known that it was necessary to ensure that those engaged to protect computer systems have the requisite competence to do so and offer their services in accordance with approved standards and procedures in line with industry best practices.

The Minister for National Security, Hon. Albert Kan-Dapaah, speaking at the event referenced the fact that, the launch of the National Cyber Security Awareness Month “provides an opportunity to reflect on our collective responsibility in safeguarding the security of our nation.” He added that “while government continues to fulfil its duty to citizens by ensuring the security and stability of our territory and the people within, it is important to note that the actions of the State, towards the aforesaid objective would be incomplete without the active participation of citizens”. He further urged individuals and organisations, to be mindful of the basic aspects of cyber-security in their day-to-day activities and strive to incorporate basic safety precautions in their routines.

The Minister for Information, Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah in a brief remark, expressed his ministry’s commitment to support the Cyber Security Authority to create awareness on cybersecurity and related issues.

In his welcoming remarks, the, Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, entreated businesses to invest in cybersecurity to prevent the unauthorized use of electronic data by criminals. He advised that businesses set aside a minimum between 15% and 25% of their budget for cybersecurity development.

In the sidelines of the event, the CSA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Rwandan National Cyber Security Authority and the National Information and Communications Technology Institute of Mozambique as part of efforts to increase international cooperation and collaboration.