The Senior Manager at the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Mr. Isaac Socrates Mensah, has stressed that cybersecurity in Ghana must be treated as a shared social responsibility rather than a purely technical issue, as criminals continue to evolve their tactics at a rapid rate.
In an interview with The High Street Journal (THSJ), Mr. Mensah explained that the purpose of the programme was to create a platform for ordinary users to understand the growing cyber threats facing the country and how individuals can better protect themselves.
According to him, the long-held perception that cybersecurity is the exclusive domain of technical experts no longer reflects the realities of Ghana’s digital space.
“For far too long, cybersecurity has been seen as a technical challenge. But when you look at what is happening today, it is more of a social challenge,” he said. “There is a need for us to create awareness, let people know what is happening, and how to defend or protect themselves online.”
He noted that while organisations continue to digitise their operations, many of the systems they rely on sit outside Ghana’s borders, raising legitimate concerns about data safety, oversight, and compliance with local laws.
Mr. Mensah referenced comments made during the panel discussion, clarifying that speakers were not claiming African systems were “unprotected,” but highlighting the urgent need for stronger governance over external platforms that store or process local data.
“Every system in the digital environment sits somewhere outside the country. The question is: What protective mechanisms are in place? We do not have full oversight of these platforms,” he said.
“We must ensure that the data being used is safeguarded and that organisations adhere to Ghana’s laws when handling citizens’ information,” he added.
He urged Ghanaians to take greater interest in cybersecurity issues, stressing that the threat landscape changes by the day.
“Cybercriminals are dynamic. How they operate today will change tomorrow. If you are not abreast of current trends, you are likely to fall victim,” he warned.
Mr. Mensah also reminded the public that the CSA’s point-of-contact service remains available on all networks by simply dialing ‘292’ (or “2” as referenced in the transcription), enabling citizens to report incidents, ask questions, or perform due diligence before engaging in any online activity.
“Our point of contact is available not only for reporting cyber incidents but for seeking guidance before you transact online. This helps you protect yourself to a certain extent,” he added.
The Senior Manager encouraged other organisations to support continuous education campaigns, noting that awareness is the strongest first line of defence in safeguarding citizens, businesses, and national systems from cyber threats.
