The launch of Ghana’s National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS) marks a significant milestone in addressing the increasing cybersecurity challenges that arise from the country’s rapid digital transformation. This policy emerges as a strategic response not only to current cyber threats but also to future risks that could jeopardize Ghana’s achievements in digitalization. The unveiling took place at the official opening of the 2024 National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) in Accra, attended by key figures from the Ghana Armed Forces and various cybersecurity stakeholders. The Communications and Digitalisation Minister, Hon. Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, emphasized the importance of this policy as a landmark achievement crucial for the cybersecurity evolution of the nation over the next five years.
The NCPS is structured around five pillars: Legal Measures, Technical Measures, Organisational Measures, Capacity Building, and Cooperation. This framework aligns with the International Telecommunication Union’s Global Cybersecurity Agenda, which is designed to enhance confidence, trust, and security among its member countries, including Ghana. The policy aims to serve as a comprehensive implementation tool, detailing explicit objectives such as building a resilient digital ecosystem, securing digital infrastructure, developing national capacity, deterring cybercrime, and strengthening cooperation among stakeholders. These strategic objectives come with timelines and specified responsibilities for their effective execution, ensuring that Ghana maintains a secure and resilient digital environment.
During the event, Minister Owusu-Ekuful underscored the global nature of cyber threats and their localized manifestations, affirming that Ghana is not immune to such risks. She articulated the existential dangers posed by cyber-attacks, highlighting the urgent necessity for a national strategy that both prevents potential breaches and prepares for any eventual incidents. The minister emphasized that the current digital landscape is fraught with opportunities and risks, and that the growing reliance on digital networks for socio-economic advancement has attracted malicious actors keen on compromising the integrity of these systems.
The adoption of the NCPS signifies a proactive stance by Ghana in combating both existing and anticipated cyber threats. Owusu-Ekuful pointed out the critical role of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) as the national agency responsible for implementing the NCPS. However, she highlighted that the multifaceted nature of cybersecurity requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach from various stakeholders. The Cybersecurity Act of 2020 (Act 1038) encapsulates the collective responsibility essential for executing the national strategy and establishes the framework within which public and private sectors must operate to enhance Ghana’s cybersecurity posture.
Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, the Director-General of the CSA, reiterated the government’s role as a catalyst for cybersecurity advancement. He termed the policy a crucial intervention that guides the actions and strategies of all stakeholders, aimed at minimizing cybersecurity risks while maximizing the benefits of a secure digital environment for all segments of society. His remarks reaffirm the CSA’s commitment to collaborate with various implementing partners, advocating for a collective vision of achieving a secure and resilient digital ecosystem that benefits businesses, families, and the nation at large.
In summary, the launch of Ghana’s NCPS represents a strategic initiative to tackle the pressing challenges posed by increasing cyber threats in a rapidly digitalizing world. With its foundation built on five critical pillars and aligned with international guidelines, the policy underscores the importance of a cohesive and collaborative approach to cybersecurity. As Ghana strides into a future marked by digital dependence, the NCPS aims to protect its digital infrastructure while fostering an environment of security, trust, and resilience. The commitment of both government and private stakeholders underscores the need for collective action to ensure that the nation can navigate the threats of cybercrime effectively while reaping the benefits of digital advancements.
