President Akufo-Addo Highlights Cybersecurity’s Role in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has emphasized the crucial role of cybersecurity as a foundational element for achieving various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He noted that as digital transformation becomes essential for national advancement, establishing strong cybersecurity practices is more important than ever.

He called for ongoing collaborative efforts to build on Ghana’s recognition as a Tier-One cybersecurity country, as highlighted in the International Telecommunication Union’s Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) report for 2024.

Speaking at the inaugural Ghana Cybersecurity Awards (GCA) over the weekend, President Akufo-Addo stated, “We must understand that cybersecurity is fundamental to achieving various SDGs. For example, in our quest for quality education, we need secure educational platforms and resources that ensure a safe learning environment for both students and teachers.”

He continued, “The SDG for Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure emphasizes resilient infrastructure. Our cybersecurity measures will allow children, the public, businesses, and the government to operate without fear of cyber threats, fostering an ecosystem that promotes entrepreneurship and technological growth.”

The President praised the Cybersecurity Authority for its significant contributions to developing a national cybersecurity policy. “It’s essential to recognize our progress. In 2017, our Capacity Maturity Model (CMM) was at a formative stage, with Ghana scoring just 32.6 percent on the Global Cybersecurity Index. By 2020, we made substantial advancements, reaching a score of 86.69 percent. Today, I take pride in announcing that we have achieved a Tier 1 status in the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index, with an impressive score of 99.27 percent,” he said.

This remarkable improvement reflects the government’s dedication to establishing a secure and resilient digital landscape in Ghana, according to the President.

Cybersecurity’s Importance to the SDGs

Cybersecurity plays a vital role in safeguarding the digital technologies used to achieve the SDGs. For instance, SDG 16, which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies, is closely linked to cybersecurity efforts against cybercrime, such as online fraud and cyberbullying, which threaten community safety.

SDG 8, which focuses on promoting economic growth and decent work for all, also relies on strong cybersecurity to protect personal and financial data for workers and businesses. Without robust cybersecurity measures, sensitive information can be vulnerable to attacks, resulting in financial losses and damage to business reputations.

Additionally, SDG 3, concerning good health and well-being, highlights the need for protecting patient privacy through effective cybersecurity. Safeguarding personal health information requires strong measures to prevent unauthorized access.

Finally, SDG 4 emphasizes the importance of teaching cybersecurity in schools and universities to raise awareness and prepare future generations to navigate technology securely.

Cybersecurity Awards Ceremony

At the Cybersecurity Awards, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) honored President Akufo-Addo for his significant contributions to advancing cybersecurity in Ghana. The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, was also recognized for implementing the President’s vision.

Under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership, Ghana’s Cybersecurity Index ranking improved from 32.6 percent in 2017 to 99.27 percent in 2024, elevating the country to Tier One status in the International Telecommunications Union’s Global Cybersecurity Index. This achievement positions Ghana as the second-highest ranked country in Africa and one of only five on the continent designated as Tier One.

Among the honorees was the Business and Financial Times, which received recognition for its significant contributions to promoting cybersecurity awareness initiatives. Various public and private institutions, as well as individuals, were also honored for their roles in Ghana’s cybersecurity success story.

The awards concluded a month-long national cybersecurity awareness campaign themed “Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation in a Digitally Resilient Democracy: Our Collective Responsibility.”