President Mahama Outlines International Cooperation and Citizen Education in Digital Defense Strategy

Ghana has launched cybersecurity awareness initiative as part of its national digital transformation agenda, with President John Dramani Mahama emphasizing the critical role of both international cooperation and citizen education in combating digital threats.

Speaking during the Cybersecurity Awareness Month launch today October 1,2025 at the Burma Camp, President Mahama highlighted the borderless nature of cyber threats and Ghana’s commitment to addressing them through multiple strategic approaches.

“Cyber Crime ignores borders. A hacker in one country can breach systems halfway across the world within seconds, and that is why Ghana cannot act alone. We must collaborate with the rest of the world,” President Mahama stated, underscoring the need for international partnerships in cybersecurity efforts.

The President announced that Ghana will take a historic step this October by ratifying the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime. “This treaty equips us with new tools to investigate attacks, prosecute cyber criminals and protect critical information infrastructure,” he explained.

Ghana has already demonstrated its commitment to international cybersecurity standards as a signatory to both the Malabo Convention and the Budapest Convention on cybercrime. “These frameworks enhance our ability to cooperate internationally and align our laws with global standards,” the President noted.

President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s leadership role in shaping international cybersecurity policy, particularly in protecting vulnerable populations. “Ghana has led efforts to include provisions against online child sexual exploitation, and has emphasized the importance of applying international human rights law in cyberspace,” he said.

The country has also adopted the Palma Process Code of Practice to address the misuse of commercial cyber intrusion capabilities. “We’ll reinforce licensing systems, certified professionals and approve cyber security products to ensure a secure and transparent environment,” the President added.

While emphasizing legal and institutional frameworks, President Mahama stressed that public awareness remains paramount. “All these efforts, programs, institutions, treaties, will fail if our people are not informed and vigilant. The truth is simple and straightforward. Our citizens are our first line of defense,” he declared.

The Cybersecurity Awareness Month initiative aims to reach every segment of Ghanaian society. “This Awareness Month is therefore about our people. It is about ensuring every Ghanaian from the child at school to the trader in the market, from the banker in the city to the farmer in the village understands the risks of the digital world, and know how to stay safe,” President Mahama explained.

President Mahama acknowledged that Ghana faces real cybersecurity challenges as it expands its digital infrastructure. “Ghana is not immune. We too have encountered cyber fraud cases, phishing attacks, identity theft and other digital crimes that harm individuals and businesses alike. As we expand digital public services and mobile money usage, we must reinforce the systems that safeguard them,” he said.

The cybersecurity initiative forms a crucial component of Ghana’s Reset Ghana agenda, which prioritizes digital transformation as a key national development policy. “When I took office in January this year, I promised the Ghanaian people that we will develop a modern, inclusive and secure digital economy. That promise continues to guide my work today,” President Mahama stated.

The administration has launched several flagship programs supporting this vision, including the 1 Million Coders Program, the Data Jobs Initiative, a $50 million FinTech Growth Fund, and the 24-hour economy initiative.

Regarding the 24-hour economy specifically, President Mahama noted its cybersecurity implications: “Beyond being a job creation strategy, this initiative is also about digital resilience. A 24 hour economy means round the clock operations. It requires secure systems, constant monitoring and robust cyber security protocols to ensure that businesses, banks, hospitals, and public services function without disruption, day or night.”

The comprehensive cybersecurity awareness initiative represents Ghana’s commitment to building a secure digital future while ensuring that all citizens are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect themselves in an increasingly connected world.