By Seli Baisie
The Czech Republic has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ghana’s efforts to build a safer digital environment through investments in cybersecurity and media development.
Speaking at the launch of the National Community Media Cyber Capability Building Project in Accra, Czech Ambassador to Ghana Pavel Bílek said journalists play a vital role in helping citizens understand cyber risks and protecting them from online fraud.
According to him, the media should not only report cyber incidents but also serve as educators and trusted sources of accurate information.
“In the digital age, the media are not only observers of cyber threats. They are educators, early warning actors and bridges between institutions and communities,” he said.
Mr Bílek noted that the project responds to growing cyber threats facing Ghana, including mobile money fraud, online impersonation scams, misinformation and other cyber-enabled crimes.
He said the training would help journalists better understand cybersecurity, online fraud, child online protection and responsible reporting while improving the quality of information reaching the public.
The Ambassador stressed that community radio stations and local media remain the most trusted sources of information for many Ghanaians, especially outside major cities.
“Better informed journalists can support better informed citizens. Better informed citizens are less vulnerable to fraud, manipulation and online abuse,” he said.
Mr Bílek said the Czech Republic’s support reflects years of cooperation between the two countries in cybersecurity.
He added that the partnership focuses on practical solutions that Ghana can continue to build on long after the project ends.
“Our ambition is practical, to support Ghanaian partners with valuable expertise, useful tools and projects that can be owned, used and developed from within Ghana,” he said.
