Accra, Oct 15, GNA – The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has organised a sensitisation programme for media practitioners in Accra as part of efforts to enhance the capacity of journalists to effectively educate the public on the new Cybersecurity Act.
Parliament, in November 2020, passed the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) to regulate cybersecurity activities in Ghana, and to promote the development of cybersecurity in the country.
The programme, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), aimed to empower journalists with knowledge on the new Act to facilitate effective communication, its implications, and promote the development of cybersecurity in the country.
Speaking at the event on Thursday in Accra, Dr Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Acting Director-General, CSA, said the Authority recognised the media as key stakeholder in educating the public on the new Act.
He said it was, therefore, important that the capacities of journalists were built to enhance their understanding of the Act to accurately inform the public.
“We can only get the message across if we engage with you and first of all help you build your capacity. It is very important.
“As a new Authority we are committed to working with you to have collaborations that will ensure that journalists get the necessary capacity, done on regular basis to understand the diverse issues related to cybersecurity and give back to society,” Dr Antwi-Boasiako stressed.
Ghana, he said, had over the past couple of years made significant strides in building a resilient cybersecurity infrastructure.
Currently, Ghana is ranked third on the African continent with respect to cybersecurity readiness.
“In 2017, the ranking based on percentage term was around 32. As at the end of 2020, Ghana’s ranking moved from the 32 percentage to 36, becoming the third country on the continent after Mauritius and Tanzania who place the top two, and becoming the 43rd globally with formidable cybersecurity infrastructure being built,” Dr Antwi-Boasiako added.
The Acting Director-General of CSA commended President Akufo-Addo for his commitment towards the development of cybersecurity infrastructure, as well as actively participating in raising awareness for cybersecurity issues among security agencies, private sector and government agencies.
Cybersecurity, he said was something that impacted every individual in the country and, therefore, called for collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure that everyone’s personal data was protected and secured.
Mr Roland Affail Monney, President of GJA, said capacity building was critical for every journalist and therefore commended the CSA for the opportunity.
He noted that most journalists fell short in knowledge when it came to issues of cybersecurity, adding that the sensitization would equip them with the relevant information to accurately inform the public on the Act.
“The most critical need of journalist is not a palatial home, is not a swanky car, even though you feel good in driving a very good car, it is not the fattest pay cheque. It is capacity building… And so, the mantra should be seek ye first capacity building, and all other things shall be added to it,” he said.
The Act created the Cyber Security Authority to regulate cybersecurity activities, to prevent, manage and respond to cyber security threats, to create awareness of cyber security matters, and to collaborate with international agencies to promote the cybersecurity of the country, among other objectives.
GNA