Ghana is expanding cybersecurity cooperation with Italy as authorities respond to a surge in digital threats, with more than 3,500 incidents recorded in the first three months of 2026 alone.
Speaking at a stakeholder workshop in Accra, Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George said the partnership with Italy and industry players aims to strengthen capacity, improve awareness and position Ghana as a leader in cybersecurity across Africa.
“It is an honour to address this distinguished gathering as we advance Ghana and Italy’s cooperation on cybersecurity, an engagement that reflects our shared commitment to securing the digital future of our economies, our people, and the global community,” he said. The initiative brings together Ghanaian authorities, representatives of the Italian government and the Cyber 4.0 Cybersecurity Competence Center, as part of broader efforts to tackle increasingly sophisticated cyber risks.
Ghana’s digital economy has expanded rapidly in recent years, supported by investments in connectivity and digital public infrastructure. That growth has been accompanied by rising exposure to cybercrime, including malware, ransomware and attacks targeting critical systems.
“Between January and March 2026 alone, the National Computer emergency response team has recorded 3,500 incidents, with increasing reports of malware activity, ransomware attempts and attacks targeting Critical Information Infrastructure (CII),” George said.
Authorities have stepped up enforcement in response. Since January, coordinated operations have led to multiple arrests linked to online fraud and identity theft networks, building on a broader crackdown that has seen hundreds of cybercrime-related arrests since 2025. “This demonstrates Ghana’s firm commitment not only to prevention but also to detection, disruption, and prosecution of cybercriminal activity,” he said.
The government is also embedding cybersecurity into its wider digital strategy through flagship programs, including the One Million Coders Programme, which integrates secure software development practices, and the Girls in ICT Programme, aimed at expanding digital inclusion while promoting online safety.
Regulatory reforms are underway to strengthen oversight of the sector, including certification and licensing of cybersecurity service providers and efforts to identify and protect critical information infrastructure across 13 sectors of the economy.
The Cyber Security Authority is expanding operational capabilities through its national incident response systems to improve detection and recovery across public and private institutions. George said international cooperation remains central to addressing cross-border cyber threats and building resilience.
“Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. It requires collaboration across governments, industry, academia, and international partners,” he said. The partnership with Italy is expected to support knowledge transfer and institutional capacity as Ghana seeks to strengthen its defenses and support continued digital growth.
