By Ernest Nutsugah
Accra, April 24, GNA – Dr Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Former Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), has urged cybersecurity and intelligence professionals to build both technical and ethical competencies to keep pace with the evolving industry.
He stressed that educational curricula should be continuously updated to reflect advancements in technology and the growing need for expertise in the sector.
Dr. Antwi-Boasiako made the call during the launch of two new master’s degree programmes at Accra Metropolitan University.
Speaking on the theme: “From Curriculum to Capability: Cybersecurity and Intelligence Education in the Algorithmic Era,” he highlighted the importance of integrating core capabilities such as threat analysis, digital forensics, intelligence synthesis, and risk-based decision-making into academic courses.
“Education curriculum should build core capabilities and competencies, such as threat analysis, digital forensics, intelligence synthesis, counterintelligence analysis, offender profiling, and risk-based decision-making, among others. These competencies are not optional, they are essential,” he stated.
The two new master’s programmes-Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, and Master of Science in Security and Intelligence-have been developed in partnership with e-Crime Bureau, a leading cybersecurity consultancy and technology firm.
Dr Antwi-Boasiako emphasised the need for graduates and professionals who can make ethical decisions as algorithms increasingly take over human tasks.
“Algorithms lack contextual judgments and moral reasoning… Cybersecurity and intelligence professionals must therefore become not only technically competent, but also philosophically aware,” he said.
Dr Antwi-Boasiako noted that as cybersecurity becomes more algorithmic-driven, professionals must focus on understanding systems, their behaviour, and how to secure them effectively in dynamic environments.
“The future professional in the algorithmic era must be a technologist, an analyst, a strategist, an ethicist, at the same time… Education should therefore be seen as a formation rather than an instruction. We must shift from teaching content to shaping professionals, which should include discipline, resilience, and ethical clarity,” he stated.
Dr Antwi-Boasiako also called for increased investment and collaboration between businesses and universities to fill gaps in the cybersecurity workforce.
“The university environment itself should serve as an innovation hub, capable of developing innovative and forward-thinking minds for this era… The future of cybersecurity and intelligence will not be determined by algorithms alone, but by the quality of humans who design, change, and govern them,” he said.
Professor Goski Alabi, Acting Vice Chancellor of Accra Metropolitan University, said the new programmes aim to meet the growing demands of the digital and security sectors in Ghana and Africa.
“Through our collaboration with e-Crime Bureau, we are bridging the gap between curriculum and capability, ensuring that our students gain not only knowledge but also hands-on experience, industry exposure, and professionally relevant skills,” she said.
Prof. Alabi reiterated the university’s commitment to empowering students to become leaders who drive societal transformation.
Commissioner of Police (COP) Alhaji Mohammed Fuseini Suraji, Director-General of the National Patrol Department, commended the university and its partners for their initiative, noting that the new programmes would equip professionals to support law enforcement efforts in the country.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey