Deputy Minister for Communications, Alexander Abban, has declared the business climate in the country safe in spite of foreboding risks pertaining to cyber-attacks within the country.
Assuring both local and foreign investors, Mr. Abban noted that the risks posed by cyber-attacks shouldn’t foil attempts at investing in businesses.
He made this revelation during an interaction with the media during the National Cyber Security Awareness Month program on the theme: ‘Cyber security in the era of COVID-19”.
“Though we are also prone to all the attacks and deficiencies that the internet has brought, all efforts are being made to make sure that we have a safer ecosystem in Ghana. Businesses should not shy away from investing in the country. They should take advantage of the opportunities we have as our internet space is quite safe”.
Albert Antwi-Boasiako, the National Cyber Security Advisor, also speaking at the event lauded government’s efforts in the fight against cyber-crimes.
According to the National Security Advisor, commitment to the fight against cyber-crimes is well in place to ensure and improve the protection of businesses and the public as the pandemic has had a negatively significant toll collectively on businesses and the economy.
“Although efforts at the Government and policy level are important, we do not undervalue the need to also engage and empower citizens to ensure that efforts are being put in place to create awareness among our citizens who are the ultimate beneficiary of the work of the Centre. Indeed, the National Cyber Security Centre will continue to play the role it has been playing since its establishment; to continue to implement measures aimed at securing Ghana’s digital journey”.
Speaking on the event, Ursula Owusu- Ekuful, Minister of Communications highlighted the fact that, “COVID-19 pandemic has changed our way of life and this event will focus on the how our children, the public, businesses as well as government institutions can ensure utmost protection of their online activities whilst utilizing digital platforms”.
Presently, a total of 11,545 reports have been made through the Cybercrime/Cyber security Incident Reporting Points of Contact between January and August 2020.
But government says it has put in place measures to ensure that businesses thrive despite the existing threat.
The National Cyber Security Awareness Month program is part of national efforts to build capacity and raise awareness on cybercrimes; and the need to improve Ghana’s cyber security readiness among children, the general public, corporate Ghana and government agencies.
Recognized as the leading event within the cyber security space, NCSAM will educate children, the public, businesses and government stakeholders on cyber hygiene best practices, consistent with the Safer Digital Ghana campaign.
This year’s event will have weekly high-level events; Launch of the National Cyber Security Awareness Month and Child Online Protection Reporting Portal, Forum on Impact of COVID-19 on Ghana’s Digitalization Agenda, Cyber security Forum with Industry Players and the other activities covering the four pillars of the Safer Digital Ghana campaign (Children, the Public, Businesses and Government).
It will be conducted in a hybrid format comprising physical engagements (under strict COVID-19 protocols) and the use of virtual platforms including live stream on NCSAMTV and other social media platforms.
