Ghana strategically positioned itself by adopting the Accra Call action framework to ensure a secure digital space. Hosting the Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building in Accra for the first time, Ghana joins numerous countries in promoting cyber capacity building that aligns with broader development goals, effectively meeting the needs of developing nations.
The digital landscape presents abundant opportunities but also exposes us to risks such as cyber fraud. This reality necessitates that governments, businesses, and academia collaborate to ensure a secure, open, and free digital space.
At the Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building, key stakeholders, including governments and organizations, committed to promoting sixteen specific actions outlined in the Accra Call. Senior Presidential Advisor Yaw Osafo-Maafo stressed the imperative for strengthened collaborations to address these challenges.
“This call will further place emphasis on the need for strong partnerships, demand-driven capacity building, and diversified financial resources to address the increasing threats posed by cybersecurity risks with a goal to enhance coordination, promote collaboration, and mobilise resources to achieve comprehensive cyber capacity building, contributing to a safer and more resilient digital future for all,” he said.
The Minister for Communication and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, underscored the government’s commitment to initiatives that bridge the digital divide.
Strategically, Ghana is actively pursuing cybersecurity initiatives not only for its benefit but also for the benefit of the sub-region, using ITU recommendations to ensure a safe and resilient cyberspace for sustainable digital transformation. I am pleased to report that Ghana raised its score on the 2021 ITU Global Cybersecurity Index to 86.69%, up from 32.6% in 2017. To achieve even greater success for our entire subregion, we seek partnerships and worldwide cooperation.
Christopher Painter, President of the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise Foundation, emphasized the crucial role of emerging technologies in boosting productivity.
The rollout of digitalization has convincingly demonstrated how technology can help us achieve a better future. The use of digital technologies has been instrumental in growing the economy, increasing productivity, and advancing human and social development. Consequently, it has also been recognized as a key driver in the attainment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.