Ghana's digital space has expanded significantly.

As of February 2025, Ghana, a nation of approximately 35 million people, had 24.3 million internet users, per DataReportal’s Digital Report 2025.

The development showed an internet penetration rate of 70 per cent.

Additionally, social media adoption has also risen greatly, with 7.95 million active users — around 22.9 per cent of the population. This has made Ghana 15th globally in social media presence.

“With such growth comes greater risk,” the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology & Innovation, Samuel George, cautioned, noting that cyber threats were inevitable in a rapidly digitalising society.

He spoke at the launch of the 2025 National Cyber Security Awareness Month, under the theme — “Building a Safe, Informed and Accountable Digital Space”.

He reflected on the shared responsibility of government, institutions, and citizens in safeguarding Ghana’s digital environment.

Minister George reaffirmed government’s commitment to building a secure, trustworthy, and resilient digital ecosystem for all citizens.

National Cyber Security Infrastructure

Ghana’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-GH) is now linked to global threat intelligence platforms and works closely with critical sectors to detect and respond to cyberattacks.

Currently, four sectoral CERTs are in operation:

* Banking and Finance – hosted by the Bank of Ghana

* Telecommunications – hosted by the National Security and National Communications Authority

* Government – hosted by the National Information Technology Agency (NITA)

* National Security – hosted by the Signals Bureau

These operate in coordination with the National CERT at the Cyber Security Authority, ensuring faster incident response, stronger collaboration, and improved information sharing.

Plans are underway to expand CERT coverage to other critical sectors, including energy, health, academia, transportation, and the military.

Strengthening Legal and Institutional Frameworks

To keep pace with evolving threats, the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) is under review to make it more forward-looking and responsive.

The ministry has started working with the Attorney General’s office and the Ministry of Justice to establish a specialised cybercrime court.

In collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), several cybercrime syndicates have been dismantled over the past 9 months, leading to the arrest of hundreds of suspects.

Sustainable Financing and Citizen Engagement

The government is putting in place sustainable financing mechanisms under Sections 29 and 30 of the Cybersecurity Act to support national initiatives, protect critical information infrastructure, and build capacity across all sectors.

Citing an IBM study which revealed that 95 per cent of cybersecurity breaches were caused by human error, the minister underscored the need for citizens to practise cyber hygiene. This, he noted, included verifying information before sharing, reporting suspicious activity, and respecting online privacy.

“Every citizen has a role to play,” he said.

“From individuals using personal devices to officials in corporate institutions, we must all adopt safe practices to protect our digital ecosystem.”

National Awareness Campaign

This year’s Cyber Security Awareness Month will involve outreach to children, businesses, the public, and government institutions through education, training, and interactive programmes.

The minister concluded with a call to unity, saying, “Securing Ghana’s digital future is not solely the responsibility of government — it is the responsibility of all of us. Together, we can build a safe digital Ghana where transformation drives opportunity, innovation, and prosperity.