Ghana Leads Africa in Cybersecurity Readiness, Minister Samuel George Announces
Ghana has officially claimed the top position in Africa’s cybersecurity rankings, as confirmed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This achievement was announced by Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, during a keynote lecture at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) in Teshie.
Delivering a lecture titled “Cybersecurity – Ghana’s Policy and Readiness”, the Minister emphasised that cybersecurity is now the new frontier of national security and defence. Speaking to over 90 participants of the ongoing Defence Management Course 25, including security officers from Ghana and other African states, he outlined the strategic importance of safeguarding digital infrastructure.
Cybersecurity Declared Core to National Sovereignty
“All traditional defence mechanisms today rely on secure digital infrastructure,” said Hon. George, stressing the growing interdependence between digital resilience and national defence. He highlighted that Ghana’s cybersecurity leadership is underpinned by the Cybersecurity Act (Act 1038), which enables a nationally coordinated response to cyber threats and aligns the country’s cyber governance with global conventions. The Minister pledged that Ghana would “guard jealously” its leading position in the African cybersecurity landscape.
Robust Cybersecurity Governance and Legal Frameworks in Place
Ghana’s cybersecurity preparedness includes:
- Cybersecurity Act (Act 1038) empowering the Cyber Security Authority (CSA)
- A Governing Board chaired by the Minister of Communication
- A Joint Cybersecurity Committee involving over 15 key institutions
- Sector-specific cybersecurity measures for Critical Information Infrastructure (CII)
These structures provide the foundation for a multi-tiered cybersecurity governance system, ensuring national coordination and incident response readiness.
Digital Transformation Driving Increased Cyber Vigilance
As Ghana rapidly digitises public services through platforms such as:
- e-Parliament
- e-Justice
- e-Passport
- Smart workplace systems
Minister George noted that the risks of cyberattacks have increased correspondingly. This underscores the urgent need for cybersecurity integration in every facet of national digital transformation. “Digital transformation must be matched with equally robust cyber defences,” he said.
Regional Leadership in Cybersecurity Capacity Building
The Defence Management Course also drew representatives from African partner states, underscoring Ghana’s emerging role as a regional leader in cybersecurity policy and training. Minister George’s address aligns with Ghana’s broader ambitions to shape Africa’s digital governance frameworks and promote cyber resilience across the continent.
Conclusion
With its number-one ranking in Africa for cybersecurity, Ghana is setting a benchmark in digital governance, infrastructure protection, and national security modernisation. As digital threats evolve, Ghana’s proactive policies and institutional frameworks ensure the country is well-positioned to maintain its leadership and resilience in the cyber domain.
