The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has ranked Ghana as a Tier One entity in the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), with a remarkable score of 99.27 per cent.
This achievement places Ghana in the Role Modelling category, making it one of only five African nations to achieve this distinction. The country now stands as a global leader in cybersecurity, serving as a benchmark for other nations to follow.
The Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, commented on the accomplishment, attributing Ghana’s success to its leadership in various critical areas.
“This achievement reflects Ghana’s unwavering commitment to securing its cyberspace and ensuring a resilient digital infrastructure,” the Director-General said.
Dr. Antwi-Boasiako highlighted the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), as one of the foundational elements of the country’s cybersecurity architecture. The law, which governs cybersecurity service providers, professionals, and institutions, is considered a benchmark for countries in the global south.
“Ghana has become the second country in the world to implement such industry protocols, with its system of licensing and accreditation serving as a model for other nations.”
Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA)
Dr. Antwi-Boasiako further emphasized Ghana’s effective institutional arrangements for public-private sector collaboration, citing the Joint Cybersecurity Committee (JCC) and the soon-to-be-launched Industry Forum.
Other key elements contributing to Ghana’s high ranking include the Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) measures, which safeguard essential digital systems and ensure the continuity of the country’s digital economy.
Dr. Antwi-Boasiako noted that Ghana has also developed and operationalized a risk management framework for CIIs and implemented a coordinated crisis management system for cybersecurity incidents. These efforts have strengthened the country’s resilience to cyber threats.
In addition, Ghana’s revised National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy, which provides clear direction and an implementation roadmap, has played a significant role in improving the country’s cybersecurity measures.
Ghana’s score of 99.27 per cent is the second-highest among African countries, coming just after Mauritius. The ITU’s new five-tiered ranking system evaluates countries based on their cybersecurity efforts, with Tier One representing the highest level of achievement.
Countries in Tier One are recognized for their comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks, advanced policies, and leadership in the domain, while Tier Two focuses on advancing initiatives.
Tier Three indicates that countries like Nigeria and Cameroon are still in the process of establishing key cybersecurity measures. Tiers Four and Five, respectively, represent evolving and building stages of cybersecurity development.
Significance of Ghana’s Tier One Status
Dr. Antwi-Boasiako noted that Ghana had shared its knowledge and experience on global platforms such as the World Economic Forum and the Global Cybersecurity Forum, further enhancing its role as a global leader in the field.
“Ghana’s Tier One status signifies that it is a role model in global cybersecurity practices, showcasing proactive measures and leadership in the cybersecurity domain.”
Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA)
Ghana’s Tier One ranking highlights the country’s successful efforts to build a robust and secure digital ecosystem. It showcases Ghana as a role model in cybersecurity, especially for developing countries in the global south.
Ghana has also been recognized internationally for its contributions to global cybersecurity efforts. It has been a hub for cybersecurity training in the sub-region, hosting numerous capacity-building programs with the support of international organizations like the European Union, Council of Europe (COE), World Bank, and ECOWAS.
The CSA Director-General also highlighted Ghana’s active participation in international cybersecurity agreements, including the ratification of the Second Additional Protocol to the Budapest Convention and the country’s role in the adoption of the recent UN Convention on Cybercrimes.
“Despite scoring highly in four out of five areas, Ghana’s score in capacity development reflects a need for increased funding and support in both public and private sectors to enhance overall cybersecurity capacity development.”
Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA)
According to Dr. Antwi-Boasiako, both the public and private sectors must increase their contributions to enhance the country’s overall cybersecurity capacity.
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