The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has launched Ghana’s 2026 National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), urging stakeholders and media organisations to step up public education on digital safety as cyber threats continue to evolve.

NCSAM, observed annually every October, seeks to improve cybersecurity awareness among individuals and institutions while strengthening the country’s capacity to respond to emerging digital risks. This year’s campaign is being held under the theme, “Securing Ghana’s Digital Finance Ecosystem: Building Trust Through Collaboration and Cyber Resilience.”

At the media launch, CSA Director-General, Divine Selase Agbeti, called on financial institutions, fintech companies, payment service providers, insurers and merchants to view cybersecurity as a fundamental governance and business responsibility rather than simply a regulatory obligation.

He said the need for stronger cyber resilience has become particularly important as digital financial services assume a growing role in Ghana’s economy.

Agbeti pointed to reported cyber incidents showing that criminals are increasingly exploiting the digital finance ecosystem through online fraud, impersonation, payment diversion and business email compromise.

According to him, maintaining public confidence is essential to the continued expansion of digital finance. He warned that declining trust in digital payment systems could have wider consequences for Ghana’s digital economy.

The Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, meanwhile, emphasised the media’s role in strengthening cybersecurity awareness across the country.

Sukparu urged journalists and media organisations to incorporate cybersecurity education into their regular reporting instead of concentrating public awareness efforts only around the annual NCSAM campaign.

He also challenged the media to provide audiences with practical guidance alongside reports about the financial and personal consequences of cybercrime. This, he said, should include explaining how cyberattacks occur, ways they can be prevented and where victims can obtain assistance.

Sukparu described the media as a key partner in helping citizens better understand and respond to emerging online threats.

Also speaking at the launch, COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General of the Police Criminal Investigations Department, reaffirmed the Ghana Police Service’s commitment to improving digital forensics, cyber intelligence and international cooperation in the fight against cybercrime.

She called for stronger coordination among stakeholders and quicker assistance during cybercrime investigations, while warning criminals that anonymity online would not shield them from prosecution.

Representing the financial sector, Saddick Arthur, Chief Risk Officer at CalBank, spoke on behalf of Managing Director Carl Selasi Asem and described cyber resilience as a business imperative.

Arthur noted that financial institutions are becoming increasingly dependent on digital platforms to provide services, making stronger protection of digital systems essential. He called for increased cooperation across the financial ecosystem to safeguard consumers and maintain confidence in digital financial services.

John Awuah, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Association of Banks, similarly called for a careful balance between financial innovation and effective cybersecurity measures.

He said the continued growth of digital finance means financial institutions, businesses and consumers must collectively place security alongside convenience and business growth as a priority.

The 2026 NCSAM campaign consequently puts collaboration and cyber resilience at the heart of efforts to safeguard Ghana’s expanding digital finance ecosystem. The CSA is encouraging stakeholders to participate actively in awareness activities throughout October.

Source: techafricanews