The Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, has underscored that cybersecurity is no longer merely a technical issue but the bedrock of Ghana’s digital transformation, economic growth and national security.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the sector minister, Samuel Nartey George, at the launch of the National Community Media Cyber Capacity Building Project (NCMCCBP) in Accra on Monday, the Deputy Minister said the country’s digital ambitions can only succeed if citizens, businesses and investors have confidence in the security of the digital ecosystem.
The project, launched under the theme “Advancing Ghana’s National Security and Cyber Defence Objectives through Community Media Strengthening for Cybercrime Awareness and Digital Risk Communication,” seeks to strengthen the capacity of community media practitioners to raise public awareness on cyber threats and promote responsible digital behaviour.
According to the Deputy Minister, the Mahama administration is pursuing an ambitious digital transformation agenda aimed at creating a secure, innovative and inclusive digital economy that expands opportunities, improves governance and creates jobs.
He said initiatives such as the One Million Coders Programme, the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the Ghana Digital Acceleration Project are designed to equip young people with globally competitive digital skills, modernise public services, expand connectivity and position Ghana as a competitive digital economy.
However, he stressed that these investments can only deliver lasting benefits if they are supported by robust cybersecurity.
Describing cybersecurity as an economic, governance, national security and development imperative, the Deputy Minister noted that trust is the currency of every successful digital economy, adding that innovation and digital inclusion cannot flourish without secure digital systems.
He also highlighted the strategic importance of the NCMCCBP, saying community radio stations and local media remain among the most trusted sources of information, particularly in rural communities, making journalists critical partners in educating citizens on cyber hygiene, online safety, digital fraud prevention and responsible online behaviour.
The Deputy Minister warned that Ghana continues to face growing threats from mobile money fraud, identity theft, online impersonation, misinformation, cyber-enabled crime and child online protection challenges.
He said addressing these risks requires stronger collaboration among government, security agencies, development partners, the media and local communities.
He therefore urged journalists to champion accurate and responsible cybersecurity reporting, arguing that every report exposing cybercrime or educating the public on online fraud contributes to protecting livelihoods and strengthening Ghana’s resilience against emerging digital threats.
He underscored government’s reediness to investing in digital infrastructure, digital skills and cybersecurity governance while promoting a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to securing Ghana’s digital future.
By: Victor Wilson Lavor
