By Edward Dankwah, GNA
Accra, Dec. 12, GNA – The Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations (MoCDTI), together with the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has inaugurated the Facilitator Body of Ghana’s Cybersecurity Industry Forum, marking a major step in strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity governance framework.
The two institutions also saw the formal closure of the Facilitating Committee that had, for the past 20 months, led the preparatory processes for establishing the Forum as mandated by Section 81(2) of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038).
Speaking at the ceremony in Accra, Mr. Samuel Nartey George, the Minister for MoCDTI, lauded the Facilitating Committee for its tireless dedication in developing guidelines, consulting stakeholders, defining participation structures, and laying the groundwork for what he described as a “credible, functional, and forward-looking Industry Forum.”
“Your diligence, professionalism, and commitment have brought us to this defining moment,” he said.
He underscored the crucial role of the Industry Forum in Ghana’s cybersecurity architecture, noting that the private sector remained a key partner in safeguarding the country’s digital ecosystem.
“By setting up a mechanism through which industry can participate, advise, and collaborate, we reinforce our belief that the private sector is not merely a target of cybersecurity policies but a co-architect of Ghana’s digital safety and resilience,” he stressed.
The Minister urged the members to uphold integrity, diligence, transparency, accountability, be visionary and collaborate as they steered engagements within the cybersecurity industry.
He added that their responsibilities made them strategic partners in shaping and effectively implementing Ghana’s national cybersecurity policy and strategy.
Mr. George encouraged the Forum to learn from global best practices, citing the United States, the United Kingdom, and Singapore as countries that had benefitted from strong collaborative cybersecurity platforms.
He emphasised the indispensable role of public-private partnerships in countering evolving cyber threats, calling for continued cooperation among government, industry practitioners, and stakeholders.
The Minister added that Ghana was poised to enhance its digital resilience and protect its cyber environment.
Mr. Divine Selase Agbeti, Ag Director-General, CSA, said Ghana’s accelerating digital transformation had heightened the urgency for coordinated cybersecurity governance, especially as cyber threats became increasingly sophisticated, coordinated, and capable of undermining economic stability and national security.
He reiterated that the Committee which saw its formal dissolution was mandated to oversee the preparatory work needed to operationalise the Forum.
“Its responsibilities included developing the Industry Code under Section 82, drafting the Forum’s Constitution Framework and membership criteria, proposing its official logo, website and domain, and preparing membership application instruments”
“The Committee also steered both virtual and in-person consultations to shape key operational documents,” he added.
Mr. Agbeti applauded the Committee for meeting its demanding mandate with diligence, professionalism, and commitment, culminating in the successful launch of the Industry Forum in October 2024.
He said the new body, comprising experts from across Ghana’s cyber ecosystem, was expected to steer the Industry Forum’s strategic direction into the future.
“As we close the work of the Facilitating Committee and inaugurate the Facilitator Body, let us recommit ourselves to building a safe, secure, and resilient digital Ghana,” he stressed.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei