Accra, June 9, GNA – The Ghana Cybersecurity Industry Forum (GCIF) on Tuesday held its maiden Industry Engagement Webinar, bringing together more than 200 professionals, service providers, students and Ghanaians in the diaspora to discuss the future of the country’s cybersecurity landscape.
The two-hour virtual session was led by Dr Muhammed Siraj, Chair of the Membership Committee of the Facilitator Body of the GCIF.
He described the GCIF as a statutory platform established under Section 81 of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), a statement issued by the Forum’s Partnerships and External Relations Committee said.
The GCIF served as the recognised channel through which industry players could deliberate on common concerns and formally engage policymakers, he said.
Dr Siraj explained that the Forum operated independently of the Cybersecurity Authority, with its Facilitator Body, constituted in December 2025, currently serving as an interim executive structure to guide its operations.
The webinar formed part of efforts to mobilise stakeholders ahead of the opening of membership registration, which is expected by June 30, 2026.
Much of the engagement centred on concerns about the cost and implications of regulation within the cybersecurity industry.
Participants questioned certification fees, reportedly set at GH¢5,000 for Tier One practitioners, and raised concerns over the possibility of duplicate charges under a proposed National Information Technology Agency (NITA) Bill, the statement said.
Some industry players cautioned that excessive regulatory burdens could discourage investment and drive cybersecurity talent away from the country.
A cybersecurity student also warned that high entry costs for young graduates could inadvertently push some skilled individuals towards cybercrime due to limited opportunities within the formal sector.
In response, a member of the facilitator body offered mentorship support to the student during the session.
The statement encouraged participants to channel their concerns through the Forum, assuring them that issues raised would be consolidated into formal submissions to the appropriate authorities.
It noted that several legislative and regulatory instruments affecting the sector were currently open for stakeholder input, making industry participation crucial.
The statement said the Forum would compile concerns expressed during the webinar and present them to policymakers as part of its advocacy efforts.
The webinar also outlined the Forum’s proposed membership structure, which comprises two categories.
Category A membership would be open to individuals and entities registered by the Cybersecurity Authority as cybersecurity service providers and practitioners, with members entitled to voting rights.
Category B membership would cater for students and honorary members who would participate in the Forum’s activities but would not have voting rights.
The Ghana Cybersecurity Industry Forum is the statutory industry platform established under Section 81 of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038).
It seeks to facilitate structured collaboration, coordinated engagement and professional excellence across Ghana’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
It is also expected to strengthen national cyber resilience through institutional cooperation while supporting the development of a secure and trusted digital economy.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Eric Appah Marfo