This July, the Accra TechSalon hosted by Penplusbytes focused on Cyber Security in Ghana; the chances of Ghanaians getting cyber-attacks or threats, how Ghana can combat cyber-crimes and also probing deeper into the status and preparedness of Ghana’s cyber security system.
With the help of key stakeholders in the cyber security space in Ghana including representatives from the Ministry of Communication, National Information Technology Agency, Ghana Police Service together with young and vibrant techpreneurs, IT agencies and ordinary citizens interested in cyber security as discussants, the Salon provided avenue to further understand the landscape of Ghana’s Cyber Security and some recommendations were made to help improve Ghana’s cyber security system and how individuals can navigate online safely.
During the discussions, it was advised to tackle cyber security as a social issue and therefore deal with it in a more social perspective. Participants were made aware of the Cyber Criminal Unit in Ghana under the Police Service which serves as the sole unit dedicated to cyber issues like cyber bullying, threats and attacks.
It was revealed that the Ministry of Communication’s current administration has developed a cyber security strategy and will be implementing cyber security measures to the various sectors of the economy, which they have at present put in place. This initiative will be coordinated by the center’s Cyber Security Unit to protect all Ghanaians against cyber-attacks.
Participants were engaged in series of discussions bordering the Ghana Electronic Transactions Act to fight against online criminalities and the appointment of the Cyber Security Adviser to implement policies to ensure there is a governance structure in place. Since most attacks are individual based, participants were advised to make conscious efforts to protect their data and security information.
Recommendations were made to enforce cyber security laws, embark on capacity development initiatives to make Ghana self-reliant to deal with Cyber Security issues in the next 5 years. The Ministry of Communication stated emphatically that they are readily prepared to collaborate with the other Ministries to help tackle cyber security. An appeal was made to CSOs to support the security agencies by providing them with tools or products to aid in tackling the issue of cyber security in Ghana.
This tech salon forms part of Penplusbytes monthly tech salons held at the New Media Hub in Accra. If you missed out on this join the next tech salon in August. Information about the next tech salon would be placed on all our digital platforms. Kindly note participation is free.
About Tech Salon
The Technology Salon is a global network of professionals who share a common passion for expanding the role of ICT in empowering development. Through regular discussions on relevant topics, we are improving our knowledge and expertise in the ICT4D field, networking across sectors and domains, and moving beyond talk, and into action.
