On November 1, 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo received a prestigious accolade at the 2024 Cybersecurity Awards, recognizing his pivotal role in advancing cybersecurity in Ghana.
This event, held at the Mövenpick Hotel in Accra, celebrated the nation’s achievements in fortifying digital security, marking another milestone in Ghana’s ongoing journey to build a secure cyberspace.
Under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership, Ghana has gained global recognition for its cybersecurity progress, achieving a Tier 1 status with a 99.27% score in the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index by the International Telecommunication Union.
This achievement reflects a significant improvement from 2017, when Ghana’s cybersecurity capacity was relatively nascent. The award acknowledges the president’s commitment to fostering a secure digital environment, essential for national security and development.
The award was presented by Minister of Communications Ursula Owusu-Ekuful and Cybersecurity Authority (CSA) Director-General Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, who commended Akufo-Addo’s contributions in laying the foundations for a resilient cybersecurity framework.
The CSA, established by the Cybersecurity Act of 2020, has spearheaded initiatives such as the licensing of cybersecurity service providers and the protection of critical infrastructure, setting a high standard for the industry.
The atmosphere at the 2024 Cybersecurity Awards was both celebratory and reflective, with attendees from government, industry, academia, and civil society commending the strides Ghana has made in cybersecurity under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership.
Many noted how the president’s administration has actively engaged multiple sectors to create a robust cybersecurity ecosystem that not only safeguards digital assets but also bolsters trust in the country’s digital infrastructure.
Recognizing Key Milestones in Ghana’s Cybersecurity Journey
In his keynote speech, President Akufo-Addo highlighted some of the crucial milestones achieved since 2017, starting with Ghana’s early attempts to establish a cybersecurity maturity model. In those early days, Ghana’s score in the Global Cybersecurity Index was a modest 32.6%.
Through focused policy-making, infrastructure investment, and the establishment of the Cybersecurity Authority, Ghana has transformed itself into one of Africa’s most secure digital landscapes.
“The journey has been challenging but rewarding. Today, we are not only better prepared to face cyber threats, but we have also created a foundation that supports the growth of our digital economy,” President Akufo-Addo remarked.
He credited these achievements to the collective efforts of government institutions, private businesses, and various industry stakeholders who have all played roles in advancing cybersecurity awareness and resilience.
5G Rollout and Digital Transformation
Akufo-Addo also spoke enthusiastically about the official rollout of 5G technology across Ghana, a move he described as transformative for the country’s digital landscape.
The faster connectivity, lower latency, and greater bandwidth of 5G, he said, will enhance not only communication but also support for emerging industries, from telemedicine to remote education and smart infrastructure.
“This is more than just faster internet,” he said. “It’s the backbone of a digital future, where citizens, businesses, and institutions can thrive in a secure, interconnected environment. By creating a secure and resilient digital space, we are empowering Ghana to fully participate in the global digital economy.”
Building a Culture of Cybersecurity Awareness
The Cybersecurity Authority’s Director-General, Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, echoed the president’s sentiments. He emphasized that while Ghana’s cybersecurity regulations are progressive, continuous public awareness remains essential.
“Cybersecurity isn’t just a policy; it’s a culture we must build together,” Dr. Antwi-Boasiako explained. He highlighted the CSA’s work in organizing public education campaigns, training programs, and collaborative efforts with schools and businesses to strengthen cybersecurity awareness across all sectors.
Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister of Communications, also lauded the CSA’s initiatives, including the licensing of cybersecurity service providers and the revised Child Online Protection Framework, which aims to protect young internet users.
She commended the CSA’s theme for the recently concluded National Cybersecurity Awareness Month—”Combating Misinformation and Disinformation in a Digitally Resilient Democracy”—noting its significance as Ghana heads toward its national elections.
“This theme resonates with our commitment to ensure that information shared online is accurate, particularly during the election period,” Owusu-Ekuful remarked. “We are calling on all citizens to verify sources before sharing information, as misinformation can destabilize our democracy.”
Ghana’s Role in Global Cybersecurity Efforts
President Akufo-Addo also spoke about Ghana’s role in promoting cybersecurity at the global level. Recently, the country hosted the inaugural Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building, welcoming experts from across the world to discuss regional and international cybersecurity challenges.
He expressed pride in Ghana’s partnerships with other African nations, including Rwanda and Mozambique, aimed at strengthening cyber defense across borders.
“We are stronger together, and by sharing knowledge and resources, we can build a resilient cyber defense network in Africa,” Akufo-Addo said.
He also highlighted Ghana’s compliance with international cybersecurity standards, which aligns the nation with the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Akufo-Addo’s government has placed a significant emphasis on aligning Ghana’s cybersecurity agenda with the SDGs, stressing that a secure digital environment supports broader development goals such as education, innovation, and industry. “We see cybersecurity as the backbone of sustainable development in today’s digital age,” he added.
An Inspiration for Future Generations
As the awards ceremony concluded, attendees expressed optimism about Ghana’s future as a leader in digital security on the African continent. Many viewed Akufo-Addo’s recognition as a call to continue building on Ghana’s achievements in cybersecurity.
The president’s closing remarks were a reflection of this vision. “As we forge ahead, let us remain vigilant, resilient, and united. Our shared commitment to cybersecurity is a testament to our dedication to a safe, innovative, and prosperous Ghana. Together, we can create a future where our digital landscape is not only secure but an inspiration for others,” he said.
The 2024 Cybersecurity Awards underscored a profound moment for Ghana—a celebration of progress, a reflection on challenges overcome, and a vision for a secure digital future that is inclusive, innovative, and aligned with sustainable development goals.
