Digitalisation without cybersecurity will cripple economies – President Mahama

By Ernest Bako WUBONTO

President John Dramani Mahama has warned that Ghana risks severe economic and social disruption if investments in digitalisation are not matched with equal commitment to cybersecurity.

Launching the 2025 National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) and inaugurating the Joint Cybersecurity Committee (JCC) in Accra, the President said digital transformation must be underpinned by resilient systems capable of safeguarding national infrastructure, financial institutions and citizens’ data.

Citing an IMF report from April 2024, he revealed that 20 percent of all cyberattacks globally target the financial sector, resulting in losses estimated at US$12 billion. Ghana’s own financial system, he noted, has also been spared.

“Digitalisation investment without cybersecurity enhancement is unsustainable for any economy. A single vulnerability can cripple entire sectors—whether power grids, banking systems, healthcare or defence. Cyber incidents cost not only money but also jobs, lives and growth opportunities,” President Mahama stressed.

He highlighted ongoing interventions such as the One Million Coders Programme, the Digital Jobs Initiative, ICT parks including the Dawa ICT Park, and a US$50 million Fintech Growth Fund—all designed to advance innovation and secure digital infrastructure. These, he said, feed into the 24-hour economy policy to drive growth and job creation.

Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, emphasised Ghana’s digital reach, with 24.3 million internet users ranking the country 15th globally. He disclosed that plans are underway to establish sector-specific cybersecurity frameworks and a specialist Cybercrime Court, alongside a Cybersecurity Fund to finance national resilience.

Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Divine Selase Agbeti, announced nationwide school curricula, community engagements and public campaigns throughout October to boost awareness. He admitted, however, that the CSA faces a shortage of skilled professionals, underfunding and a persistent brain drain.

Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak added that the Police Service’s Cybercrime and Digital Forensic Unit is advancing in proactive intelligence gathering, though it requires greater technological support.

The JCC

The Joint Cybersecurity Committee (JCC) is made up of 18 senior executives drawn from key agencies and institutions, mandated to ensure collaboration and a proactive response to cybersecurity challenges across the country.

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