The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has highlighted remarkable achievements of Ghana’s Cyber security.
According to him, the country’s leap in the Global Cyber security Index, the official rollout of 5G connectivity, represents the hard work, dedication, and commitment of his government to ensure secure digital Ghana.
President Akufo-Addo was speaking at the 2024 Cyber security Awards held on Friday, November 1, 2024 in Accra.
He reflected on the journey in Cyber security since he took office in 2017, at a time he recalled that country had a score of 32.6% in the global Cyber security index, moved it to 86.69% in 2020.
However, he indicated that through concerted efforts by government agencies, private sector players, and other stakeholders, Ghana advanced significantly to Tier 1 status, improving its score to 99.27% in 2024.
He said, “This significant leap is not merely a statistic; it represents the hard work, dedication, and commitment of the government to ensure a secure and resilient digital Ghana. This remarkable progress has been driven by a shared vision and collaborative efforts across various sectors to ensure that our digitalization efforts are sustained.”
WORK DONE
According to the President, his government since 2017 has prioritised the advancement of Ghana’s digital landscape, including investing in infrastructure.
He mentioned that the Medium-term National Development Policy Framework (2022-2025) of the National Development Planning Commission projected the government’s digital economy to contribute 10 percent to the GDP by 2025.
He said that through strategic policies and initiatives, the government has laid the groundwork for a digital economy that is secure, resilient, and inclusive.
The President also said that the achievements in Cyber security have been underscored by the passage of the Cyber security Act 2020 (Act 1038), which provides a comprehensive framework for protecting our cyberspace.
He noted that the creation of the National Cyber Security Authority, evolving from the National Cyber Security Secretariat, represented a crucial step in enhancing the nation’s defenses against cyber threats.
“These institutions are crucial for securing critical sectors such as banking, energy, and health, contributing to the realisation of Sustainable Development Goals 8, 9, and 11 by safeguarding our infrastructure, promoting innovation, and fostering inclusive, safe, and resilient communities,” he said.
CONTRIBUTION
The President commended the contributions of individuals shaping Ghana’s cyber security landscape.
He urged all stakeholders to persist in their essential work to secure the nation’s digital future, emphasising that that commitment aligned with Ghana’s broader goals of sustainable development and building resilient communities.
He also cautioned against misinformation and disinformation going into the December 7 general election, while emphasising the role of cybersecurity in developing the Ghanaian economy.
VISION
Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Director General of the CSA, praised President Akufo-Addo for his visionary leadership, which had significantly enhanced Ghana’s position on the Global Cyber Standards Index.
He noted that the commitment to creating a safe cyberspace had propelled Ghana to become the second highest ranked country in Africa and one of only five nations designated as a Tier 1 model country in Cyber security.
Dr. Antwi-Boasiako acknowledged the vital role of the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, in translating the President’s vision into actionable strategies.
He emphasised the importance of cross-party support in parliament, highlighting how that collective
AWARDS
The Awards Night, organised by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) under the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, aimed to recognise key individuals and institutions that have significantly contributed to the development of cyber security in Ghana.
The event also highlighted the efforts of partners who collaborated with the Authority through public-private partnerships, academic collaborations, and other strategic alliances that have fostered its growth.
President Akufo-Addo was honoured with an award for his significant contributions to advancing cybersecurity in Ghana and his dedication to creating a secure digital environment crucial for national development and protecting citizens from cyber attacks.
