Government to set up Cyber Security Authority - Ursula Owusu

Minister of Communications, Ursula Owusu-Erkuful explained that government’s digitization efforts and the introduction of a number of e-services has exposed the country and people to possible cyberattacks and vulnerabilities.

She further disclosed that an assessment conducted by the World Bank and the Global Cyber Security Capacity Centre of the Oxford University on Ghana’s cyber security maturity level exposed the grave status of the country.

With this development in view, she noted that her Ministry has come up with deliberate interventions to counter the threats.

“The Ministry of Communications has established the National Cyber Security Centre to coordinate cyber security activities both in government and the private sector. It is responsible for national cyber security awareness creation and cyber security incident coordination. The NCA and the World Bank contributed to the establishment of the Centre.”

Addressing the spiraling rate of cyber-attacks in the financial sector, the Minister stated that “the Bank of Ghana working in collaboration with her outfit and the Association of Bankers launched a Cyber and Information Security Directive for the Financial Industry to support cyber risk management in the financial sector.”

In addition to that, she said government has assented to two important treaties on cyber security namely; the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection (Malabo Convention) and The Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention).

“These two international treaties are expected to enhance Ghana’s cooperation with other countries at the policy, technical and operational levels in dealing with cybercrime and cyber security challenges,” she added



Mrs. Owusu-Erkuful, together with her deputies took their turn at the Ministry of Information to Meet the Press and update stakeholders on progress of projects at the Ministry of Communications as well as achievements in the past year.

She further hinted that ministry was currently reviewing the National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy for Cabinet’s consideration and adoption early 2019.



“As indicated in the 2019 Budget, the government will set up a National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA) to oversee Ghana’s cyber security especially the protection of Critical National Information Infrastructures (CNIIs) in line with global trends and best practices. A Cyber Security Law is in the offing.”