A delegation from the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU), led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwah, has appealed for government support to complete a new cyber security laboratory as part of efforts to expand the university’s digital infrastructure.
The request was made during a courtesy call on the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Minister Mohammed Adams Sukparu (MP) on behalf of sector Minister Samuel Nartey George, highlighted the growing importance of advanced ICT facilities in strengthening Ghana’s digital ecosystem.
The visit followed up on an earlier appeal made to the Minister during a GCTU alumni dinner. The university’s leadership stressed that the cyber security lab would reinforce Ghana’s resilience against cyber threats, while also serving as a resource for national agencies such as the Cyber Security Authority.
Sukparu acknowledged the urgency of the request. He said the Minister “takes cyber security very seriously and would be more than willing to support the establishment of the lab, provided resources are available,” while recognizing its potential to support government operations and systems.
Prof. Afoakwah told the Ministry that the building intended to house the lab was already under construction, with only finishing support required to operationalize the facility.
In addition, the Vice Chancellor invited the Minister to inaugurate GCTU’s new Centre for Innovation, Technological Skills, and Entrepreneurship Training. “GCTU, which positions itself as the most viable learning centre for ICT in West Africa, has equipped this large lab with 92 highly specified computers and intelligent boards. The university plans to utilize the facility to train entrepreneurs in critical ICT skills,” he said.
Sukparu praised the university’s initiative, noting that such facilities could complement national programmes. He pointed to the ‘Girls in ICT’ initiative, which faces challenges in securing training centres, and confirmed that GCTU’s facilities could also support the One Million Coders Programme.
The Deputy Minister assured the delegation that the Ministry would convey both the request for cyber security lab support and the invitation to inaugurate the new centre to the Minister, adding that a confirmed date for the launch would be communicated soon.
