Ghana Launches National Cybersecurity Policy
Ghana has launched its National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS) to address increasing cybersecurity threats in the nation. This move was made after a recent warning issued by the Africa Centre for Digital Transformation (ACDT) of potential cyber threats to Ghana’s December 7 elections and recommended stakeholders strengthen the cybersecurity infrastructure through regular security audits and penetration testing.[1] Ghana’s Communications and Digitalisation Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has stated that the development of a national strategy is necessary to prevent potential cyberattacks describing it as a landmark achievement critical to Ghana’s cybersecurity development.
The policy is developed according to the International Telecommunication Union’s Global Cybersecurity Agenda guideline for cybersecurity development aimed at enhancing confidence, trust, and security in the ICT architecture of ITU member countries of which Ghana is a part. The policy was unveiled at the official opening of the 2024 National Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Accra. It is said that Ghana Cyber Security Authority (CSA) the national agency will oversee the implementation of the policy, and would be engaging both the public and private sectors in the process. The policy is centered around five critical pillars: Legal Measures, Technical Measures, Organisational Measures, Capacity Building, and Cooperation.[2] The minister emphasized that the adoption of the NCPS is a strategic response to both existing and anticipated cyber threats that could undermine Ghana’s growth in digitalization.[3]
[1] https://citinewsroom.com/2024/07/ghana-faces-cyberattack-threat-ahead-of-december-elections-acdt/
[2] CSA News, “GHANA LAUNCHES NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY POLICY AND STRATEGY”<https://www.csa.gov.gh/ghana-launches-national-cybersecurity-policy-and-strategy.php>
[3] Ibid
