Minister Samuel Nartey George Advocates for Cybersecurity as a Business Imperative
In an impactful address during the 2026 Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) Summit held in Accra, Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George emphasized the critical need for organizations to elevate cybersecurity from mere IT concerns to a paramount agenda in boardroom discussions.
He articulated that cybersecurity has transcended traditional realms, now permeating every facet of business operations within Ghana.
The two-day event, hosted at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, was themed “Boardroom Conversations: Elevating Cybersecurity to a Business Priority.”
It convened an array of cybersecurity authorities, regulatory representatives, and policymakers from Ghana and across Africa, including delegates from Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, and Malta.
“Cybersecurity now influences revenue streams, operational integrity, reputational strength, customer trust, and national security,” George asserted to the gathering of executives. “It is indubitably a boardroom-level business imperative.”
The national cybersecurity response team in Ghana reported over 3,500 digital threats in the first quarter of 2026 alone.
These included malware infections, ransomware efforts, and unauthorized access attempts targeting Critical Information Infrastructure across various essential sectors.
Alongside this urgent security advisory, George unveiled several government initiatives aimed at fostering a secure and inclusive digital economy.
A flagship initiative, the One Million Coders Programme, is set to commence in May, aiming to train one million Ghanaians in coding and digital competencies.
Initial pilot programs, with 859 participants, achieved an impressive 52 percent female participation, and authorities are enhancing 130 learning centers across all 16 regions to facilitate the initiative.
Additionally, the government is progressing a $3 billion public-private Digital Jobs Initiative designed to bolster technology-fueled employment opportunities.
This initiative will include the establishment of regional digital hubs for outsourcing and specialized information and communications technology (ICT) parks, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and digital entrepreneurship.
Notably, the Dawa ICT Park is among the sites designated for redevelopment into a globally competitive center.
A separate $50 million FinTech Growth Fund is poised to support local tech startups, further nurturing Ghana’s burgeoning digital finance landscape.
George interconnected both initiatives with the government’s 24-hour economy strategy, indicating that sustained operations necessitate resilient infrastructure along with constant cybersecurity oversight.
Bernard Acquah, Chief Information Officer of MTN Ghana, echoed the minister’s sentiments, identifying cybersecurity as a pressing national concern that mandates enhanced collaboration among government entities, businesses, and technology providers as Ghana’s digital ecosystem continues to expand.
Event Director Albert Tetteh noted that the summit has evolved into a pivotal continental platform, fostering direct interactions with institutions such as the Bank of Ghana and the Cyber Security Authority, thereby aiding organizations in navigating the complexities of evolving regulatory and compliance landscapes.
Source link: Newsghana.com.gh.
