"Cybersecurity is the backbone of Ghana's digital transformation" - Deputy Communications Minister

The Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, has described cybersecurity as the cornerstone of Ghana's digital transformation agenda, saying the country's ambition to build a thriving digital econoy depends on citizens' confidence in the safety and reliability of digital systems.

Speaking at the launch of the National Community Media Cyber Capacity Building Project in Accra, Mr Sukparu said digital transformation is not merely about deploying technology but about creating opportunities for every Ghanaian through improved public service delivery, stronger businesses, expanded financial inclusion and enhanced economic competitiveness.

He said the government, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, is pursuing an ambitious digital transformation agenda that seeks to harness technology as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, job creation, improved governance and national development.

"Our objective is clear. We are building a digital economy that is secure, innovative, inclusive and globally competitive—one that empowers citizens and ensures that no Ghanaian is left behind in the digital age," he said.

The Deputy Minister stressed, however, that no digital transformation programme can succeed without trust.

According to him, citizens must be confident that their personal information is protected, businesses must have assurance that digital transactions are secure, investors must trust Ghana's digital environment, and public institutions must guarantee that the digital services increasingly relied upon by millions of Ghanaians remain reliable, resilient and accessible.

"Trust is the currency of every successful digital economy, and that trust is built through effective cybersecurity," he stated.

Mr Sukparu said cybersecurity has evolved beyond a technical issue to become an economic, governance, national security, business and development imperative.

He warned that without a secure digital environment, innovation cannot flourish, digital inclusion cannot be sustained, and confidence in the country's digital economy will be undermined.

To address these challenges, he said government is investing in a broad range of initiatives that extend beyond digital infrastructure to include digital skills development, innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), regulatory reforms and cybersecurity.

He explained that these investments are designed to complement one another in creating a resilient and globally competitive digital economy.

Highlighting Ghana's Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the Deputy Minister said government has deliberately adopted a balanced approach that gives equal priority to innovation, responsibility, transparency, accountability and security.

According to him, the strategy aims to ensure that Ghana harnesses the transformative potential of AI to improve lives while safeguarding the rights, privacy and confidence of citizens.

Mr Sukparu also pointed to the ongoing implementation of the Ghana Digitalization Project, describing it as one of government's flagship interventions to strengthen the country's digital ecosystem.

He said the project is modernising public service delivery, expanding digital connectivity, improving access to digital services and strengthening national digital infrastructure, thereby creating greater opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs and citizens to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

The Deputy Minister further disclosed that the Ministry continues to engage stakeholders across the communications and broadcasting sectors to promote a media landscape that is professional, credible, sustainable and responsive to the changing demands of the digital age.

He said a vibrant and responsible media remains indispensable to democratic governance, informed public discourse and national development.

Despite the progress being made, Mr Sukparu cautioned that investments in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, digital skills and innovation would not deliver their full benefits without robust cybersecurity measures.

"Cybersecurity is the thread that binds together every aspect of Ghana's digital transformation journey," he said, reaffirming government's commitment to building a secure, resilient and trusted digital ecosystem capable of supporting long-term economic growth and national development.

He urged journalists and media practitioners to play an active role in promoting cybersecurity awareness, describing the media as an essential partner in educating the public, countering misinformation and supporting the country's digital transformation agenda.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith