Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has granted licenses and accreditations to 51 cybersecurity entities. This initiative marks Ghana as the first African nation, and only the second globally after Singapore, to implement a comprehensive regulatory framework for the sector.
The newly licensed players include eight Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs), eight Cybersecurity Establishments (CEs), and 35 Cybersecurity Professionals (CPs). Notable recipients include Virtual Infosec Africa, e-Crime Bureau, and major banks such as Absa, Access, and Fidelity.
This decisive action comes in response to Ghana’s alarming cybersecurity statistics. The country ranked ninth among African nations for data breaches in 2024, experiencing a staggering 997% increase in breaches during the first quarter alone. Recent reports indicate that cyber fraud incidents resulted in financial losses totaling $4.33 million between January and June 2023.
CSA Director-General Albert Antwi-Boasiako emphasized the authority’s commitment to enforcing compliance, warning of severe consequences for unlicensed operators, including criminal prosecution and administrative penalties.
The licensing initiative aligns with the Cybersecurity Act of 2020, which empowers the CSA to regulate cybersecurity activities and ensure services meet approved standards. Professional licenses are renewable annually, while those for service providers and establishments are valid for two years.
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As Ghana continues to strengthen its digital defenses, this regulatory framework is expected to enhance the nation’s cybersecurity posture and protect citizens from digital threats. The CSA’s proactive approach sets a precedent for other African nations grappling with similar challenges in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
With this bold step, Ghana demonstrates its commitment to fostering a secure digital environment, crucial for economic growth and technological advancement in the 21st century.
