A National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy is in the offing to put Ghana on the right footing to fight emerging cyber security threats.
A draft on the policy which is in its review stage and expected to be completed by the end of the year will in the long run complement government’s efforts at digitising the economy in a safe and secured environment.
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia who made this known at the opening of 2018 National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) in Accra stressed that Ghana cannot sit aloof and watch innovations and technology pose threat to businesses and individuals especially the youth.
The NCSAM was launched last year to create the platform where stakeholders can deliberate on how to make the cyber space safe and secured for users.
The program which was marked with a week-long activity has this year being extended to a month and would be observed nationwide to drum home the need for all stakeholders to join hands to fight cybercrime.
This also follows a survey which showed that nearly 70% of children use the internet and yet little is done to protect them from cyber threats.
Dangers outlined in the survey include cyber bullying, child pornography and sexual exploitation.
The Minister of Communications, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful said the decision to extend the program is to broaden the participation of all stakeholders and chart a way forward to make Ghana the best in the sub region in cyber security.
She said lack of education of cyber security has been the main challenge especially for the youth.
To this end, workshops will be held in some selected schools across the country for students.
