"Cyberspace is not inherently safe” – Prof. Elsie Kaufmann

The Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana, Ing. Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann, has underscored the critical role of academia in fortifying Ghana’s cybersecurity infrastructure, warning that the nation’s rapid digital transformation must be matched by proactive safety measures.

Speaking at the launch of the 2025 National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) in Accra, Prof. Kaufmann said while digital technology is unlocking new opportunities across sectors—from mobile finance to telemedicine, online education to e-governance—the associated risks must not be underestimated.

"Cyberspace is not inherently safe,” she stated.

“The very technologies that connect us and drive progress can also be exploited to undermine trust, disrupt economies, and erode the rights and freedoms of citizens.”

Prof. Kaufmann revealed she was recently a victim of online disinformation, after false news about her death began circulating on social media.

:Just days ago, I was falsely reported dead online,” she shared, using the moment to highlight the real and personal dangers posed by misinformation in today’s digital age.

Prof. Kaufmann called for stronger collaboration between government, industry, civil society, and academia to address emerging cyber threats.

She highlighted three key areas where academic institutions are already making a significant impact:

1. Research – producing evidence-based insights to guide national cybersecurity policy and strategy.

2. Capacity Building – training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, analysts, and digital forensics experts.

3. Innovation – developing local technological solutions to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.

She noted that universities are not only hubs of knowledge but also incubators of innovation and critical thinking—resources that are essential in combating cybercrime, fake news, and technological abuse.

“Ghana’s cybersecurity agenda must be grounded in science, shaped by data, and informed by local realities,” she said, urging policymakers to engage academic expertise in shaping regulations and response frameworks.

The 2025 NCSAM, launched under the theme “Building a Safe, Informed, and Accountable Digital Space,” is focusing heavily on digital literacy, combating misinformation and deepfake content, and ensuring both institutions and individuals play their part in safeguarding the country’s cyberspace.

Prof. Kaufmann concluded by encouraging young people, especially students, to consider careers in cybersecurity, describing it as a critical frontier for national security, economic stability, and democratic resilience.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith