The National Cyber-Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) has been launched with the aim of educating the public on the importance of digital safety and best practices in the face of growing cyber risks.
This year’s campaign, launched at the Ministry of Information in Accra, is centered around the theme: “Combating Misinformation and Disinformation in a Digitally Resilient Democracy: Our Collective Responsibility.”
Throughout October, the initiative will engage government representatives, private sector leaders, cyber-security experts, and civil society organizations in a unified effort to raise awareness about cyber-security and promote responsible digital practices.
Speaking at the launch in Accra yesterday, the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, highlighted Ghana’s rapid digital evolution and the dual impact it has had on the nation.
While digital technologies have greatly enhanced the way citizens live and work, they have also introduced significant risks, including cyberbullying, privacy violations, and the widespread dissemination of false information.
Mrs Owusu-Ekuful remarked that, “As we embrace new technologies like artificial intelligence for their transformative potential, we must also be vigilant about the challenges they present.”
She further noted that the expansion of mobile connectivity, including the rollout of 4G and 5G networks across the country, is a cornerstone of Ghana’s digital transformation, ensuring that all citizens can participate in the ongoing digital revolution.
The Minister called on all Ghanaians to work together to maintain peace and stability, particularly as the nation prepares for upcoming elections.
She urged political actors to use digital platforms responsibly, promoting peaceful and factual campaigning rather than spreading fear and misinformation.
Addressing the pressing issue of misinformation, she revealed that as of January 2024, Ghana had 24.6 million internet users, representing 69.8% of the population, with 7.4 million active on social media.
She cited a University of Oxford study showing that in 81 countries, social media has been used to spread misinformation, with a small percentage of accounts responsible for the majority of false information.
The Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority, Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, also spoke at the event, emphasising the Authority’s intensified efforts to tackle disinformation, particularly as the nation heads toward its next election.
He announced the availability of a hotline (292) for citizens to verify any suspicious information circulating online.
Background
The NCSAM, which originated from the United States in 2004, under the auspices of the US Department of Homeland Security, has evolved into a collaborative international event, with Ghana being the latest nation to join the effort to promote cyber-security awareness and ensure a safer digital future for all.
