President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, delivering the keynote address at the Cybersecurity Awards Night 2024 in Accra, highlighted Ghana’s exceptional progress in cybersecurity, underscored by a recent Tier 1 ranking in the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index with an impressive score of 99.27%. This achievement reflects the nation’s rapid rise from a 32.6% score in 2017, emphasizing the government’s commitment to building a robust, secure digital infrastructure.
President Akufo-Addo attributed Ghana’s cybersecurity advancements to a concerted effort among various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, academic institutions, and civil society. Recognizing the foundational role of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), he lauded the agency’s dedication to securing Ghana’s digital ecosystem and pioneering initiatives like the licensing of cybersecurity professionals—a move placing Ghana second globally, following Singapore. The President applauded the CSA’s partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, led by Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, who recently launched Ghana’s revised National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy to further strengthen the digital landscape.
The President announced the official rollout of 5G connectivity across Ghana, marking a transformative step toward enhancing digital services and economic growth. He cited projections that Ghana’s digital economy would contribute 10% to GDP by 2025, reflecting the broader role of technology in national development.
Akufo-Addo also highlighted Ghana’s proactive steps in global cyber collaborations, including hosting the inaugural Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building and engaging in agreements with nations like Mozambique and Rwanda to foster knowledge exchange and regional cybersecurity resilience.
In her remarks, Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful reiterated the critical relationship between cybersecurity and national development, pointing to the role of Ghana’s cybersecurity framework in promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She emphasized the need to safeguard essential digital spaces, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, stressing the importance of combating misinformation and disinformation.
The Cybersecurity Awards ceremony, organized by the CSA, honored contributors to Ghana’s cybersecurity achievements, with President Akufo-Addo commending awardees, including media houses, for promoting awareness on cyber threats and supporting a digitally resilient Ghana.
