Ghana's cyber security agency handles over 3,300 incidents as digital threats surge

Ghana's cybersecurity defences are under increasing strain, with the nation's cyber security authority handling more than 3,300 incidents in just six months, according to Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George. The surge in digital threats underscores the vulnerability of Ghana's growing digital economy and the urgent need for strengthened protections across government, business and citizen networks.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House in Accra on Monday, September 7, Mr George revealed that CERT-GH — Ghana's Computer Emergency Response Team — responded to 3,363 cybersecurity incidents between January and June 2026. The figure reflects the escalating cyber risks facing the nation as more Ghanaians, organisations and public institutions migrate critical services online.

Critical infrastructure under assessment

The government has begun systematic vulnerability testing of key national assets. Vulnerability assessments have been completed for 25 Critical Information Infrastructure institutions across essential sectors including education, health, public administration, security and utilities. This targeted approach aims to identify weaknesses before attackers exploit them, protecting services that millions of Ghanaians depend on daily.

To support this defensive effort, the government has dramatically expanded Ghana's cybersecurity workforce and industry. Since the start of 2026, regulators have licensed or accredited 479 Cybersecurity Service Providers, 116 establishments and 2,685 individual cybersecurity professionals. These credentials signal a maturing local industry capable of addressing Ghana's digital security needs.

Awareness initiatives have also been rolled out nationwide. More than 84,000 children and young people received cybersecurity training during the period, alongside 427 university ICT leaders and approximately 8,800 citizens. The Ghana Cybersecurity Industry Forum, newly operational, has already attracted over 300 registered members, creating a collaborative platform for industry stakeholders.

Legislative reforms and SIM registration

The government is pursuing sweeping legislative changes to modernise Ghana's digital security framework. Fifteen pieces of ICT legislation are under review as part of the Ghana Digital Acceleration Project, with stakeholder consultations completed on ten priority Bills. A particularly significant development is the passage of the Legislative Instrument on SIM registration by Parliament; the regulator is expected to begin biometrically verified SIM registration before the end of 2026, closing a major security loophole that has enabled fraud and identity theft.

The Data Protection Commission has also reported strong uptake of data protection compliance. During the first half of 2026, regulatory activity surged by 51.5 per cent, while newly registered data controllers increased by 98.4 per cent — indicating growing awareness among businesses of their obligations to protect citizen data.

Why it matters for Ghana

Ghana's digital transformation is critical to its economic future, but it cannot succeed without strong security. The 3,363 incidents handled in six months represent real threats to Ghanaians' finances, privacy and livelihoods. As digital payment systems, mobile money platforms and online government services become essential infrastructure, cyber attacks can disrupt entire sectors. The government's multi-pronged response — building local cybersecurity capacity, protecting critical infrastructure, strengthening legislation and raising public awareness — signals serious commitment to securing Ghana's digital future. However, the volume of incidents also highlights that threats continue to grow faster than defences, requiring sustained investment and vigilance across the public and private sectors.