Call for Enhanced Cybersecurity Education in Ghana
The Cybersecurity Authority urges a stronger incorporation of cybersecurity education throughout Ghana’s tertiary institutions, emphasizing the necessity to protect the nation’s digital landscape.
During the inaugural National Cybersecurity Education Conference, Director General Divine Selase Agbeti underscored this requirement under the theme “Empowering Higher Education for Cyber Resilience and Digital Rights.”
He articulated that the event embodies a united commitment between the Cybersecurity Authority (CSA), the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), and various educational institutions to foster a digital transformation characterized by innovation, inclusiveness, security, and accountability.
In a stark warning, Agbeti noted that cybercrime is projected to escalate to an astonishing $10.5 trillion globally by 2025, marking one of the largest economic wealth transfers recorded.
He also highlighted an alarming shortfall of approximately four million professionals in the global cybersecurity workforce, as documented by the 2024 ISC² workforce study.
With over 24 million Ghanaians relying on the internet for diverse purposes such as education, governance, and commerce—and representing nearly 70 percent of the population—Agbeti cautioned that advancements in digitalization have heightened vulnerability to cyber threats.
The education sector, safeguarding vast amounts of sensitive information, has increasingly attracted the attention of cybercriminals, he elaborated, referencing concerning incidents like grade manipulation, counterfeit certificates, question leaks, sextortion, and cyberbullying.
He asserted that the education sector is classified as critical information infrastructure, stressing its protection as essential for national security and stability.
Consequently, the CSA has prioritized cybersecurity within Ghana’s national cyber resilience strategy, citing the Cybersecurity Act 2020 (Act 1038) and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy as foundational frameworks.
Agbeti revealed the CSA’s role in revising the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Education Policy to integrate elements of cybersecurity, data protection, and digital ethics.
He urged the Education Minister to expedite its finalization and announced a collaborative venture with GTEC to establish a national cybersecurity competency and qualification framework aimed at outlining structured learning pathways from fundamental literacy to advanced professional certifications.
A draft memorandum of understanding has been presented to GTEC to formalize this collaboration. Agbeti implored the GTEC Director General to hasten approval, ensuring that cybersecurity becomes an integral and accredited component of higher education across Ghana.
As part of bolstering sectoral resilience, Agbeti disclosed plans to create an Education Sectoral Computer Emergency Response Team (EDU CERT) tasked with orchestrating responses to cyber incidents in educational institutions.
This initiative aims to enhance detection and remedy procedures related to ransomware, data breaches, and online harassment in academic settings.
He pointed out that CSA’s nationwide awareness campaigns have reached 5.6 million adults from January to October 2025, in stark contrast to just 102,000 in 2022, illustrating a significant stride toward a more cyber-aware populace.
However, Agbeti emphasized that cybersecurity education should transcend information technology departments and computer labs.
It is essential for every student, regardless of their field—be it medicine, law, business, or education—to develop a fundamental understanding of digital safety and responsibility.
When a nursing student learns to secure patient information, a business student comprehends online privacy, and a teacher trainee is equipped to guide children safely through digital environments, only then does cybersecurity become truly integrated into the educational framework.
The Director General illustrated the extensive challenge by advocating for the integration of cyber awareness across diverse academic disciplines.
Medical students ought to grasp patient data protection, business students must comprehend e-commerce privacy principles, and education students must be prepared to navigate online safety with children.
Agbeti commended the Ministry of Education, GTEC, and Accra Technical University for orchestrating this landmark conference, expressing hope that it evolves into an annual forum for cooperation among academia, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.
The CSA is steadfast in its commitment to this collaboration. United, we can ensure that cybersecurity education becomes central to Ghana’s digital trajectory, safeguarding students’ rights, fortifying institutions, and advancing the objective of a secure and reliable digital nation.
This conference signifies a pivotal advancement in Ghana’s endeavor to forge robust cyber defenses across its educational infrastructure.
With internet penetration edging towards 70 percent, the urgency of this initiative reflects the dual nature of opportunities and vulnerabilities ushered in by rapid digital advancement.
The proposed EDU CERT would represent the inaugural specialized response team dedicated exclusively to educational institutions in Ghana, addressing a sector responsible for managing sensitive information that encompasses student records, research data, and financial transactions.
The remarkable surge in awareness campaign outreach—from 102,000 individuals in 2022 to 5.6 million by October 2025—signals a burgeoning recognition of cyber threats within the general populace.
Nonetheless, the challenge remains to transform that awareness into institutional strength, a gap that the proposed frameworks seek to close.
The alliance between CSA and GTEC could pave the way for standardized cybersecurity qualifications across Ghana’s tertiary institutions, potentially generating new career avenues for students while simultaneously addressing the global deficit of cybersecurity professionals currently impacting the sector worldwide.
Source link: Newsghana.com.gh.
