By Edward Dankwah
Accra, Nov. 5, GNA – Mr Emmanuel Adinkra, President and Chief Information Security Officer of the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation says there is an urgent need for culturally relevant approaches to cybersecurity, particularly for African communities.
He argued that global solutions often overlook regional nuances, stressing the importance of localized strategies in addressing cyber threats and online harms.
Mr Adinkra was delivering a presentation at the Stanford University’s Trust and Safety Research Conference at California-USA.
The conference brought together experts from various sectors to tackle pressing issues related to digital safety and online harms.
“We cannot rely on a universal solution for cybersecurity. African nations, with their unique cultural, and socio-economic contexts, need tailored approaches to protect their digital spaces,” Mr Adinkra added.
A major part of Mr. Adinkra’s speech centered on Ghana’s ongoing battle against Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OCSEA), and other forms of cybercrimes targeting children.
Mr. Adinkra, who is also a leading voice in the Trust & Safety space discussed Ghana’s efforts to combine global knowledge with local action, from raising community awareness to working closely with law enforcement and policymakers.
The President said it was important to create strategies that align with local customs and needs, particularly in African regions.
He emphasised that community engagement and digital literacy were crucial in combating online threats like CSAM and OCSEA in Ghana.
He said there was the need for partnerships between industry, academia, and civil society to make significant strides in trust and safety.
“In Ghana, such collaboration has proven instrumental in safeguarding children from online exploitation,” he added.
He praised the cross-pollination of ideas at the conference and shared how Ghana’s cybersecurity measures have benefited from adapting international strategies to local realities.
GNA