English 
Cyber-related crimes and cybersecurity have become significant concerns in today’s increasingly digital world. Recently, an engagement was held to provide valuable insights into how different organizations are addressing these growing threats and ensuring the safety of their digital infrastructures. The event brought together key experts to discuss ongoing initiatives and future strategies for tackling cybersecurity challenges.
Enhancing Human Capacity to Combat Cyber Threats
One of the notable speakers at the event was Prof. Ezer Osei Yeboah-Boateng, the Deputy Director-General for Technical Operations at the National Communications Authority (NCA). Prof. Yeboah-Boateng emphasized the importance of enhancing human capabilities to better address the surge in cyber threats and attacks. With a rapidly evolving digital landscape, he pointed out that the NCA has made significant strides in building the technical knowledge and skills of its staff. These efforts are expected to improve the Authority’s internal practices and bolster Ghana’s overall cybersecurity posture.
According to Prof. Yeboah-Boateng, these capacity-building initiatives aim to equip the NCA with the necessary expertise to stay ahead of cybercriminals and strengthen the country’s digital security framework. “We expect these training programs to manifest in our internal procedures, ultimately boosting the NCA’s overall security,” he stated.
Strengthening the Telecom Industry’s Cybersecurity Measures
Prof. Yeboah-Boateng also highlighted several proactive measures taken by the NCA to ensure cybersecurity within the telecommunications industry. These include recent engagements with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Undersea Cable Operators to assess their readiness for emerging cyber threats. Additionally, the NCA is conducting an ongoing forensic audit to verify the accuracy and integrity of the Central SIM Register and SIM Registers maintained by MNOs. Any operator found to be in breach of these standards will be held fully accountable under the law.
Addressing the Impact of Cybercrime on Critical Sectors
Mrs. Mercy Araba Kertson, Acting Director of Administration at the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), also spoke at the event, emphasizing the need for effective cybersecurity measures in response to the increasing reliance on digital technologies. She acknowledged that while the internet offers many conveniences, it also opens doors to numerous cyber threats that significantly impact critical sectors such as energy, telecommunications, and finance.
Mrs. Kertson shared alarming statistics, revealing that between January and July 2023, cyber fraud activities in Ghana had led to direct financial losses totaling 49.5 million Ghana Cedis. This highlights the urgent need for greater vigilance and enhanced security measures to prevent future financial damages and protect national digital assets.
Collaboration for Cybercrime Prevention
The event also featured a panel discussion with experts from various institutions, including Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi, Director of the Cybercrime Unit at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service. The panelists emphasized the importance of collaboration across different sectors and institutions to combat cybercrime effectively. By working together, stakeholders can create a more resilient cybersecurity environment, ensuring that Ghana is better prepared to face the challenges posed by the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape.
Conclusion
As Ghana continues to develop its digital infrastructure, the need for enhanced cybersecurity has never been more pressing. With experts from the NCA, CSA, and the Ghana Police Service working together, the country is making significant strides to secure its digital future. However, it is clear that the fight against cybercrime requires constant vigilance, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous capacity-building. As we move forward, Ghana’s cybersecurity framework will rely heavily on these ongoing efforts to stay ahead of cyber threats and safeguard the nation’s digital assets.