Vice President Dr Mahamadu Bawumia has indicated that the review of the cybersecurity policy and strategy shall be completed by the end of the year.
The policy is to protect the country from attacks on its cyberspace, especially as the government embarks on a digitization agenda to grow the economy.
“A National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy has been drafted and I am told the review of the policy and the strategy shall be completed by the end of the year subject to stakeholders input,” he said.
Dr Bawumia was speaking at the launch of the 2018 Cyber Security Awareness Month and campaign in Accra on the theme - a safer digital Ghana.
This policy has mandated the Ministry of Communications to work with other Ministries, agencies, the private sector and Ghana’s International Partners to address issues that may have the potential to compromise the country’s security.
The Vice President also disclosed that the World Bank has supported the Ministry of Communication to conduct a Cyber Security Capacity Review which will examine the state of Ghana’s cybersecurity readiness.
This study is expected to help Ghana to priorities its investment in cybersecurity.
“Permit me to emphasize that awareness creation and capacity building should be an important feature of the activities going forward. To this end, I wish to encourage strong links between the universities and industry to ensure our young cyber experts are battle ready,” he said.
The ‘Safer Digital Ghana’ campaign has been developed to respond to the increasing spate of cyber crimes and cybersecurity breaches which could potentially undermine the gains from Ghana’s digitalization agenda.
The campaign focuses on four key thematic areas – children, the public, business and the government.
The national cybersecurity awareness creation initiative is expected to enhance the cybersecurity mindset and culture of citizens and it will be implemented by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) which has been set up by the government to coordinate cybersecurity issues across the country.
Meanwhile, Minister of Communications, Ursula Owusu Ekuful has highlighted the need for more awareness to be created on cyber risks following recent breaches.
She is hopeful it will be considered in the 2019 budget.
“It is imperative that international cooperation and dialogue be strengthened between governments, regional organizations and other partners interested in stopping cybercrime.
Capabilities must be built, and the appropriate legal regime instituted and implemented particularly in developing countries to aid in combating cybercrimes,” she said.
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