"Cybersecurity awareness through community media is key to protecting Ghana's digital future" — CSA Boss

The Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Divine Selase Agbeti, has underscored the critical role of community media in strengthening Ghana's cybersecurity landscape, describing journalists as frontline partners in the fight against cybercrime.

Speaking at the launch of the National Community Media Cyber Capacity Building Project (NCMCCBP) in Accra on Monday, Mr. Agbeti said Ghana's rapid digital transformation has created immense opportunities for economic growth and innovation, but has also exposed citizens and institutions to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

Addressing participants under the theme, "Advancing Ghana's National Security and Cyber Defence Objectives Through Community Media Strengthening for Cybercrime Awareness and Digital Communication," he noted that cybercrime has evolved into a major national security concern affecting ordinary Ghanaians on a daily basis.

According to him, crimes such as mobile money fraud, online investment scams, romance fraud, identity theft, sextortion, business email compromise and impersonation have become widespread, with many of these offences being orchestrated by organised criminal networks operating across international borders.

Mr. Agbeti revealed that the CSA, working closely with the Ghana Police Service, National Security, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the National Signals Bureau (NSB), the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) and international partners, has intensified coordinated operations against cybercriminal networks.

He stressed that recent arrests and prosecutions demonstrate that cybercrime is organised crime, requiring equally coordinated national and international collaboration to combat effectively.

The Director-General emphasised that while security agencies continue to disrupt criminal activities, public education remains one of the most effective preventive tools, making the media an indispensable partner in safeguarding Ghana's cyberspace.

"The media does far more than report cyber incidents. The media prevents them," he said.

He explained that a single radio discussion delivered in a local language could prevent thousands of citizens from falling victim to fraud, while a television interview exposing emerging scams could stop criminal schemes before they spread nationwide.

Mr. Agbeti therefore called for the development of a media community that possesses a sound understanding of cybersecurity issues and is capable of communicating them accurately, responsibly and confidently to the public.

Beyond financial crimes, he warned that cyber threats are increasingly intersecting with organised crime, violent extremism and terrorism, with criminal and extremist groups exploiting digital platforms to spread propaganda, recruit followers, raise funds and manipulate public opinion.

He said this places an even greater responsibility on journalists to inform the public without creating unnecessary panic, expose harmful activities without amplifying criminal or extremist narratives, and educate citizens on how to recognise and resist online manipulation.

According to him, the National Community Media Cyber Capacity Building Project is designed not merely to teach cybersecurity concepts but to establish a nationwide network of journalists who will become trusted advocates for cybersecurity awareness across Ghana.

He explained that these journalists would help translate complex technical information into practical advice that citizens in both urban centres and remote communities can easily understand and apply in their daily digital lives.

"Our vision is simple: every Ghanaian should have the knowledge to stay safe online," he stated.

Mr. Agbeti also described the planned establishment of a Cyber Security Press Corps as a landmark initiative that will strengthen responsible reporting on cyber issues across the country.

He said the specialised network would comprise journalists who understand cyber threats, appreciate their implications for national security, and provide timely, accurate and responsible reporting whenever new cyber incidents emerge.

According to him, members of the proposed press corps would play a vital role in educating the public on the significance of cybercrime investigations, helping citizens understand why arrests matter, and warning communities about emerging scams before more victims are affected.

He encouraged participants to fully embrace the training programme by asking questions, building expertise and becoming credible sources of cybersecurity information within their respective communities.

The CSA Director-General expressed appreciation to the Africa Center for Digital Transformation for partnering to implement the initiative, and thanked the Embassy of the Czech Republic for supporting efforts to strengthen Ghana's digital resilience and national security.

He also commended the country's security agencies, law enforcement institutions and development partners for their continued collaboration in protecting Ghana's cyberspace.

Mr. Agbeti stressed that cybersecurity is a shared national responsibility that extends beyond government institutions.

He said stronger collaboration among government, law enforcement agencies, industry, civil society and the media would significantly reduce opportunities for cybercriminals while making Ghana's digital ecosystem safer and more resilient.

"Together, let us build a cyber-aware, cyber-resilient and cyber-secure Ghana," he urged.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith