Digital revolution has shaped Ghana’s growth and system – Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako

The Acting Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has said the country’s digital revolution has brought about a lot of developmental initiatives to several sectors of the economy which has helped to achieve a better and effective communication across board.

He explained that despite the progress made in the digital sector for the country’s growth, there has been however other challenges as well which has become a major target for the country’s security apparatus to fight against.

He made this known when he spoke at the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT)/Tech Against Terrorism (TAT) Multi-Sector Workshop on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism Online in Accra on Wednesday, September 7, 2022.

“The digital revolution has led to the development of a number of internet technologies which has made it possible for individuals and groups to communicate effectively across borders with increasing anonymity and speed, to an almost limitless audience. The internet remains the most equitable technological innovation for mankind with its full benefits to individuals and economies yet to be fully realised.

“However, the internet technology has also created the platform for undesirable and dangerous activities. The use of the cyberspace and digital platforms for violent extremism and terrorist related activities is an area of grave concern, not only to governments and its law enforcement agencies but also the very organisations which own or deploy such technologies to users” he said.

He bemoaned the need for all to remain on high alert to safeguard the country and its citizens against any form of attack.

According to him, aside awareness creation and advocacy, the government had also made several provisions available to protect citizens from all other forms of terrorism threats.

He revealed that the protection of citizens by government brought about “the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT)” which is significantly for dialogue towards understanding on how to counter the use of digital platforms to avoid extremism and terrorism.

He added, “With the increasing dependency on networks and digital systems for socio-economic developments, malicious actors including terrorist groups are focusing on bits and bytes, rather than just bullets. Any disruptive attacks by terrorist organisations against computer systems and networks could undermine our socio-economic activities. Our collective security is at stake here. The Cyber Security Authority has a mandate to protect Ghana’s critical information infrastructures against potential cyber-attacks, including attacks by terrorist groups.

“The Authority, under the Cybersecurity and Investigatory Powers, provided for in the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), has a mandate to support and facilitate the work of our law enforcement and intelligence agencies including legal access to data and information to assist in investigations and prosecutions. Our engagement with the GIFCT, which has led to this workshop in Accra, is part of the Authority’s international cooperation mandate to strengthen partnerships and collaborations to achieve a secure and a resilient digital Ghana”

The Communications and Digitalisation Minister, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, on her part said the need for cybersecurity cannot be ignored.

According to her, accelerating and strengthening knowledge-sharing is the best practices among tech companies, law enforcement and other relevant partners in the cyber space to place more attention on the issue of online terrorism and violent extremism with measures to safeguard the situation.

“Online terrorist activities are a concern for every nation and Ghana is no exception. There is therefore a need for collaboration among nations and groups to expedite information sharing, responses and coordination to counter such acts. Now more than ever, the need for cybersecurity cannot be overemphasized. I believe that in your quest to accelerate and strengthen knowledge-sharing and best practices among tech companies, law enforcement and others, the issue of online terrorism and violent extremism will get the needed attention and more efforts will be channeled into securing the internet, deterring terrorism online, and protecting digital infrastructures” she noted.