President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an initiative aimed at sensitizing the public on how to stay safe in the digital space.
Delivering the keynote address at Burma Hall in Accra under the theme “Building a Safe, Informed and Accountable Digital Space”, the President described the commemoration as a defining moment for the country’s digital journey.
“This is a pivotal moment for reflection on Ghana’s position in the digital age and, more critically, on the direction that we must take,” President Mahama said. “The decisions we make now will decide whether technology becomes a means of empowerment and growth or a source of vulnerability and division.”
He emphasized the need to secure digital platforms as the government expands public services and mobile money usage. “Initiatives such as the One Million Coders Programme, the Digital Jobs Initiative, and the FinTech Growth Fund are part of our efforts to create a resilient digital economy,” he noted.
The President further announced Ghana’s plan to ratify and sign the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime later this month, saying the move would provide the country with new tools to investigate cyberattacks.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the risks are real, but the opportunities are greater. If we act wisely, decisively, and inclusively, Ghana can be a continental leader in secure digital innovation,” Mahama stressed.
“Digitalization without security is unsustainable. Innovation without responsibility is dangerous. Opportunity without inclusion is unjust. What we seek to build is not just a digital economy but a digital society safe, inclusive, and accountable.”
Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, also reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening cyber resilience. He disclosed that plans are underway to establish a Cyber Security Fund, as mandated under Sections 29 and 30 of the Cyber Security Act, 2020.
“The Cyber Security Fund will ensure the availability of resources to support national initiatives, protect critical information infrastructure, and build capacity across all sectors,” Sam George explained.
He further urged citizens to play their part. “If we are to create the digitally resilient Ghana we envision, every citizen must be empowered with the proper knowledge, tools, and habits to stay safe online. We cannot leave anyone behind,” he said.
As part of the launch, the President also inaugurated the Joint Cybersecurity Committee (JCC), which will bring together representatives from all security and intelligence agencies to coordinate closely with the Cyber Security Authority in safeguarding the nation’s digital ecosystem.
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Source: Afote Asomdwoe Laryea/ATLFMNEWS
