The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has honoured President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his contributions towards the advancement of cybersecurity in the country.

Alongside the President was the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, who was also recognised at the maiden CSA awards organised in Accra last Friday for implementing the President’s vision.

Under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership, Ghana’s Cybersecurity Index standing rose from 32.6 per cent in 2017, to 99.27 per cent in 2024, promoting the country to Tier One status on the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Global Cybersecurity Index.

The milestone made Ghana the second-most-ranked country in the African region and one of the five countries on the continent to be designated as a Tier One. 

Awardees

The Daily Graphic, the flagship newspaper of the Graphic Communications Group Ltd, was among the media partners honoured for their considerable contributions towards the promotion and publicity of cybersecurity awareness initiatives.

Various stakeholder public and private institutions, as well as individuals, were also honoured for their contributions to the country’s success story in the cybersecurity space.

The awards climaxed a month-long national cybersecurity awareness campaign on the theme: “Combatting misinformation and disinformation in a digitally resilient democracy: our collective responsibility”. 

Efforts

Addressing the event, President Akufo-Addo said his government recognised early that digital transformation was essential for national development, economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life of citizens.

As a result, he said, the government had prioritised the advancement of the country’s digital landscape since 2017 through strategic policies and initiatives such as the passage of the Cybersecurity Act 2020 (Act 1038), which provided a comprehensive framework for the protection of the local cyberspace, and the revision of the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy.

In an era where digital transformation is integral to national progress, President Akufo-Addo underscored the need to recognise that cybersecurity was foundational to achieving various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The alignment between cybersecurity and the SDGs is not just a theoretical construct; it has real implications for our nation’s growth and resilience, and by investing in our cybersecurity infrastructure and fostering a culture of awareness and preparedness, we are positioning Ghana as a leader not only in cybersecurity but also as a model of sustainable development on the global stage,” he said.

In the context of peace, justice, and strong institutions, the President said the government’s strategy would enhance the integrity of democratic processes and promote trust among citizens in the digital realm.

President Akufo-Addo assured the public of the government’s commitment to fostering cybersecurity awareness as a critical means of promoting responsible digital citizenship and ensuring a secure online environment.

“We will continue to invest in infrastructure, training, and collaboration to ensure a secure digital environment for all Ghanaians. We understand that the challenges we face are evolving, and we must be proactive in addressing them.

Towards the 2024 elections, the President called on the public to remain vigilant in the fight against the spread of false information that could undermine the country’s democratic processes, adding: “I stand for peace, and urge all citizens to act responsibly for a peaceful and fair elections”. 

Stakeholders

Mrs Owusu-Ekuful expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for supporting Ghana’s cybersecurity efforts over the past year.

“From government agencies to private sector partners, from academia to civil society, each one of you has played a crucial role in enhancing our national security framework,” she said.

The minister, however, reminded the stakeholders to forge alliances needed to ensure that the country maintained its Tier One status on the Global Cyber Security Standard Index.

Commendation

The Director-General of the CSA, Dr Albert Antwi-Boasiako, stressed the importance of collaboration in navigating the complex cybersecurity environment in the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.

“The digital landscape is ever-changing, and we must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing emerging threats.

“Our collective commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration will be essential as we navigate this complex environment,” he said.