We cannot sustain our digitalisation efforts without cybersecurity – Ursula
Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has called for the development and sustenance of robust cybersecurity infrastructure, warning that lack of it will ruthlessly derail the country’s digitalisation efforts.
“We cannot sustain our digitalisation efforts without cybersecurity. Cyber-attacks could undermine our gains in digitalisation as well as our social and economic well-being and consequently, impact on our national security,” she said.
The sector minister was speaking at the inauguration of the Joint Cybersecurity Committee (JCC) on Thursday, July 14, 2022.
She urged all stakeholders to play their part in order to achieve a secure and resilient digital economy.
“In today’s digital age, the advancement of technology has made many individuals, companies and organisations more vulnerable to cyber threats than ever. However, to be on the safer side, educating ourselves about common cyber security tips is the way to go. Internet users don’t need to be cyber security experts before they can protect their devices or personal information online,” she added.
Addressing members of the 18-member committee which was set up pursuant to section 13 of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), Mrs Owusu-Ekuful said cybersecurity is multi-sectoral and demands a multi-sectoral approach to tackle the issues.
For her, collaboration among different stakeholders — both public and private sector collaboration are absolutely critical in securing the country’s cyberspace as the government ramps up its digitalisation agenda.
She, therefore, urged the members of the committee to work with the Cybersecurity Authority and the private sector to build a robust infrastructure for the country.
“This is not the time for turf wars and working in silos and you need to coordinate your efforts, collaborate and cooperate to succeed. We are all in this together and the country demands this of you to ensure our collective cybersecurity,” she stated.
Membership of the committee
The members of the committee include; Justice Afia Serwaa Asare-Botwe (Judiciary service), Richard Okyere-Fosu (National Information Technology Agency (NITA), Joe Anokye (National Communications Authority), Ms Patricia Adusei-Poku (Data Protection Commission), Dr Maxwell Opoku-Afari (Bank of Ghana (BOG)), Mr Kwaku Dua (Financial Intelligence Centre), Nana Attobrah Quaicoe (National Intelligence Bureau), and COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah (Economic & Organised Crime Office).
The rest are DCOP Mr Frederick Agyei (Criminal Investigations Department), Col. (Dr) Tim Ba-Taa-Banah (National Security Council Secretariat), Mr Kwabena Adu-Boahene (National Signals Bureau), Maj. Gen. A.Y. Nsiah (Defence Intelligence), Mr Laud Akwasi Affrifah (Ghana Immigration Service (GIS)), Amb. George Abaka Blankson (Research Department), Col. A. K. Oduah (Ghana Armed Forces), Ms Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa (Office of the Attorney-General & Min. of Justice), Dr Albert Antwi-Boasiako (Cyber Security Authority (CSA) and Mr Nana Kofi Asafu-Aidoo (Ghana Domain Name Registry (GDNR)).