"Let's champion cybersecurity to keep Ghana secure, competitive" – GIPC Boss

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Mr. Simon Madjie, has called on stakeholders across government, industry, and civil society to prioritize cybersecurity as a cornerstone of national development and economic resilience.

Delivering his welcome remarks at the official media launch of the 2025 National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), Mr. Madjie stated:

“Together, let us champion cybersecurity so that Ghana remains a secure and competitive investment destination and a continental leader in innovation.”

The event, held at the GIPC Auditorium in Accra on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, brought together policymakers, security experts, academics, and media representatives under the theme “Building a Safe, Informed and Accountable Digital Space.”

Mr. Madjie emphasized that as Ghana accelerates its digital transformation agenda, it must also confront increasingly sophisticated cyber threats that have the potential to derail progress.

“Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical concern—it is a national economic priority,” he said.

"It protects livelihoods, supports innovation, and preserves Ghana’s reputation as a safe and competitive investment destination.”

Citing global data, Mr. Madjie pointed to a 2025 World Bank review, which projects the global cost of cybercrime to reach US$10.5 trillion annually—representing about 9.1% of global GDP.

Closer to home, he noted the INTERPOL Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report, which estimates over US$3 billion in cyber-related losses across Africa from 2019 to 2025.

He applauded recent international operations that led to the recovery of nearly US$100 million from cybercriminals in August 2025 but stressed that this figure barely scratches the surface of annual losses due to cybercrime.

“Beyond the financial implications, these attacks disrupt markets, threaten critical national infrastructure, and erode public trust in the digital economy,” he warned.

Despite the challenges, Mr. Madjie highlighted Ghana’s achievements in cybersecurity, referencing the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Ghana earned a Tier 1 ranking with a score of 99.27%, placing it among just 46 countries worldwide and only five in Africa recognized as global role models in cybersecurity development.

He praised this progress but warned against complacency, stressing the need for continued investment in infrastructure, skills, innovation, and public–private collaboration to stay ahead of evolving threats

“We must view cybersecurity not as a cost but as a strategic investment,” he stated.

“One that protects our digital assets and unlocks new opportunities for economic growth.”

Mr. Madjie reaffirmed the GIPC’s commitment to supporting the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) and other stakeholders in building a secure and resilient digital ecosystem.

“As the world embraces deeper digital transformation, cybersecurity must be at the heart of Ghana’s strategy,” he affirmed. “It is essential to sustaining investor confidence and ensuring resilient, inclusive economic growth.”

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith