Ghana’s tenacity to cybersecurity and its role as a model in Africa were recognized by Tim Galvin, Assistant Director of the Africa Cyber Program at the British High Commission, during the opening remarks of a two-day workshop organized by Women in Cybersecurity West Africa.
The training, held at the Airport View Hotel in Accra on October 30 and 31, aimed to enhance digital safety practices, with a focus on information integrity, social media fact-checking, and cyber resilience.
At the workshop, Galvin praised Ghana’s dedication to international collaboration in cybersecurity, highlighting the country’s proactive approach as a critical factor in its reputation as a regional leader. He urged companies in Ghana to prioritize transparency by reporting any cyberattacks or system breaches to the proper authorities.
According to Galvin, such transparency is essential to strengthening national security, ensuring a safer digital environment, and equipping law enforcement to counteract cyber threats effectively.
The event, titled “Information Integrity: A Social Media Fact-Checking and Ensuring Cyber Resilience Workshop,” brought together experts and participants from across West Africa, providing them with essential tools and strategies to combat digital misinformation and fortify cyber defenses. Organized by Women in Cybersecurity West Africa, the program accents the pivotal role of women in driving cybersecurity initiatives and advancing digital literacy within the region.
Ghana’s success in fostering cybersecurity partnerships is increasingly recognized by the international community, with Galvin noting the British High Commission’s ongoing collaboration with Ghana’s public and private sectors. The UK has been supporting Ghana’s cybersecurity initiatives by sharing expertise and resources, with the goal of enhancing Ghana’s capacity to prevent, identify, and respond to cyber threats as digital infrastructure continues to expand.
Galvin also addressed the stigma often associated with disclosing cyber incidents, encouraging companies to treat reporting as a critical responsibility rather than a potential reputational risk. He pointed out that timely reporting not only protects a company’s assets but also strengthens Ghana’s overall resilience against cybercrime by helping authorities monitor and address evolving threats more effectively.
