Ghana is facing an urgent challenge as the gap in its cybersecurity workforce continues to widen, according to Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA).
Speaking during this year’s National Cyber Security Awareness Month, Dr. Antwi-Boasiako highlighted that the global shortage of cybersecurity professionals—estimated at 4.8 million—was being felt acutely in Ghana, with many local experts leaving for opportunities abroad.
The event, co-hosted by Accra Technical University (ATU) and the CSA, focused on the theme: “Empowering the next generation of cyber defenders: Building a resilient digital future.”
Dr. Antwi-Boasiako emphasized that key areas in cybersecurity, such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, zero trust architecture, and incident response, were especially lacking in skilled professionals, which leaves the country vulnerable to cyberattacks.
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In response to the skills gap, the CSA has rolled out a strategic plan aimed at building local expertise.
This includes partnerships with academic institutions to integrate cybersecurity into their curricula, mentorship programs, and a licensing system for professionals to increase workforce visibility.
Additionally, Dr. Antwi-Boasiako announced that Ghana is seeking partnerships with other nations to facilitate knowledge-sharing and improve global mobility for Ghanaian cybersecurity professionals.
Accra Technical University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Amevi Acakpovi, acknowledged the growing threat of cybercrime, despite Ghana’s reputation as a cybersecurity leader in West Africa.
He stressed the need for more robust data privacy and protection measures, citing the rapid rise in cyberattacks as a significant concern.
While technological advancements offer opportunities for growth, they also introduce new risks that require immediate attention, particularly through improved compliance with existing data protection laws and heightened public awareness of privacy rights.
Both Dr. Antwi-Boasiako and Prof. Acakpovi urged for stronger collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector to address the pressing need for skilled cybersecurity professionals to secure Ghana’s digital future.
