By Raphael Apetorgbor (Communications Specialist and Policy Analyst)
GHANA’S goal to become Africa’s most trusted investment destination will depend heavily on strengthening its cybersecurity systems, just as much as on infrastructure or policy reforms.
According to Interpol’s Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report, over 3 billion has been lost across the continent to cyber incidents between 2019 and 2025, with the hardest-hit sectors being finance, healthcare, energy, and government services.
Just this August, Interpol and African law enforcement agencies recovered close to 100 million from cyber fraudsters. However, that figure is only a small portion of the total losses, highlighting the urgent need for serious investment in cyber resilience.
Ghana’s Growing Recognition
At the launch of the 2025 National Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Accra, the CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Mr. Simon Madjie (Esq.), stressed that cyberattacks are not just technical issues, they are threats to investor confidence, financial systems, and economic growth.
The event, held under the theme “Building a Safe, Informed and Accountable Digital Space,” focused on how cyber threats can disrupt jobs, markets, and livelihoods.
Quoting a World Bank review, Mr. Madjie warned that the global cost of cybercrime could hit $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, almost 10% of the world’s GDP.
“A single cyberattack doesn’t just damage systems, it shakes investor confidence, disrupts businesses, and affects families who rely on digital trade,” he said.
Despite these threats, Ghana has made significant strides. In the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index by the International Telecommunication Union, Ghana scored 99.27%, earning a Tier 1 ranking. This places the country among just five in Africa and 46 globally recognised as cybersecurity role models.
However, Mr. Madjie cautioned against complacency.
“We must view cybersecurity not as a cost, but as a strategic investment that protects digital assets, opens up opportunities, and positions Ghana as a trusted digital hub in Africa,” he concluded.
Cybersecurity: Backbone of Ghana’s Digital Economy and Investor Protection
Mr. Simon Madjie, CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), has called for deeper collaboration among government, industry, and civil society to strengthen Ghana’s digital defences.
Speaking at the launch of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025, he reaffirmed GIPC’s commitment to working closely with the Cyber Security Authority and other partners to develop a secure and trustworthy digital ecosystem.
“Cybersecurity is the backbone of investor confidence and sustainable growth in the digital age. Together, let us ensure Ghana remains a secure and competitive investment destination, and a continental leader in innovation,” he said.
GIPC Strengthens Data Protection Measures
As the lead government agency for investment facilitation, GIPC has placed high importance on protecting investor data. In line with the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843), the Centre has adopted global best practices to safeguard sensitive information.
The Data Protection Commission (DPC) offers platforms for reporting data breaches, while GIPC also issues regular anti-scam advisories to protect investors. These efforts reflect GIPC’s dual mission: attracting investments and ensuring data integrity.
GIPC’s security strategy includes a multi-layered framework, featuring secure databases, restricted access, and continuous staff training. In July 2025, Mr. Madjie met with Dr. Arnold Kavaarpuo, Executive Director of the DPC, to reaffirm the Centre’s compliance with Act 843.
Cybersecurity and the 24-Hour Economy
The push for stronger cybersecurity also aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-Hour Economy vision. For businesses to operate smoothly around the clock, digital infrastructure must be secure and resilient.
Without robust cybersecurity, Ghana’s financial systems, supply chains, and e-commerce platforms would remain exposed to cyber threats, potentially undermining productivity and investor confidence.
Cybersecurity: A Pillar of Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy Vision
Investment in cyber resilience is critical to the success of Ghana’s 24-hour economy. It ensures uninterrupted services, protects digital trade, and allows both local and international businesses to operate securely around the clock.
National Leadership and Security Response
As October marks Global Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Ghana’s leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening national cyber defences.
The Acting Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority, Mr. Divine Agbeti, pledged continued efforts to confront cybercrime as a national security threat.
This warning was echoed by the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, who has repeatedly described cybercrime as “a threat to national survival.”
“The fight against cybercrime is not optional. It is essential for our survival as a modern nation,” she stated.
She revealed that the CID is now deploying AI-powered platforms to track and dismantle online criminal networks. Additionally, the launch of the Amber Alert Ghana system, in partnership with Meta, to protect missing children demonstrates a proactive approach to digital safety.
COP Donkor’s message is clear: “Cybersecurity demands a whole-of-society approach.”
Government Sends a Strong Signal
Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Sam Nartey George, added a stern warning to cybercriminals.
“Government will not allow scammers to derail our national progress or destroy Ghana’s reputation. Every cyber-attack is not just a theft of data, but a theft of jobs, opportunities, and trust,” he said.
Cybersecurity as Economic Policy
To sustain Ghana’s ambition of becoming Africa’s leading investment destination, cybersecurity must be treated as a core economic policy issue, not just a technical concern.
Positioning cybersecurity as both a business enabler and national safeguard reflects Ghana’s readiness to meet global standards for investment, innovation, and digital trade.
Cyber resilience is not a luxury, it is essential for protecting livelihoods, fostering investor confidence, and securing Ghana’s future in the global digital economy.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
