Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has outlined a comprehensive plan to strengthen the country’s cyber resilience, announcing expanded sectoral Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs), a review of the Cyber Security Act, and the creation of a dedicated fund to finance national cybersecurity initiatives.
Speaking at the official opening of the 2025 National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM 2025) on the theme “Building a Safe, Informed, and Accountable Digital Space,” in Accra, the minister stressed that the growing scale of internet use in Ghana, with 24.3 million users representing 70% penetration and nearly 8 million active social media identities, makes cybersecurity a critical national priority.
Currently, Ghana operates sectoral CERTs for banking and finance, telecommunications, government, and national security, coordinated by a national CERT under the Cyber Security Authority. George said guidelines are being finalized to accredit additional CERTs in energy, health, academia, transportation, and defense, sectors he described as critical to the country’s digital ecosystem.
The minister confirmed that the Cyber Security Act 2020 (Act 1038) is under review to ensure the legislation remains effective against emerging threats. He noted that over the past nine months, the Cyber Security Authority and the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police Service have arrested hundreds of suspects linked to cybercrime syndicates. Work is also underway with the Attorney General’s office to establish a specialized court to handle cybercrime cases.
To ensure sustainable financing, George said government is moving to operationalize the Cyber Security Fund, as required under Sections 29 and 30 of the Cyber Security Act. The fund will be used to strengthen infrastructure, support critical sectors, and build technical capacity across the country.
Highlighting human error as the cause of 95% of breaches, George emphasized the need for citizen awareness, corporate responsibility, and nationwide digital literacy. “Every actor in cyberspace, from citizens on their personal phones to officials working on corporate laptops and networks, have a duty to practice cyber hygiene,” he said.
This year’s Cyber Security Awareness Month campaign will include education and outreach to children, businesses, and the public to ensure no Ghanaian is left behind in the country’s push to build a safe, informed, and accountable digital space.
