Ghana Claims Top Spot in African Cybersecurity Rankings, Minister Announces

Ghana has officially been recognized as the top nation in cybersecurity across Africa, a monumental achievement announced today by the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation. This significant milestone underscores Ghana’s unwavering commitment to building a secure and resilient digital ecosystem, setting a new benchmark for cybersecurity standards on the continent.

The announcement follows the release of the latest Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which has ranked Ghana with a Tier 1 status. This places Ghana among a select group of “Role Modelling” countries globally, signifying its advanced cybersecurity framework and its ability to serve as an exemplar for other nations striving to improve their digital defenses. Ghana’s impressive score of 99.27 percent positions it as the second highest scoring country in Africa, closely following Mauritius, and one of only five African nations to achieve Tier 1 status.

This remarkable ascent is attributed to a concerted effort by the Ghanaian government, particularly through the initiatives of the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and the Cyber Security Authority (CSA). Key factors contributing to this success include the robust Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), which provides a complete legal framework for cybersecurity activities, and the institutionalization of the Cyber Security Authority, which has rapidly expanded its capacity and reach since its establishment.

Ghana has also made significant strides in critical information infrastructure protection, developing a national Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) ecosystem, and fostering extensive capacity building and public awareness campaigns, notably the annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month. International cooperation has also played a pivotal role, with Ghana ratifying key conventions on cybercrime and actively participating in global cybersecurity forums.

The Minister emphasized that this achievement is not merely a ranking but a testament to Ghana’s dedication to safeguarding its digital economy, protecting its citizens online, and fostering a secure environment for digital transformation. This leadership position is expected to further attract investment and partnerships, solidifying Ghana’s role as a technological hub in Africa. While celebrating this success, the Minister also highlighted the continuous need for vigilance and ongoing investment to address evolving cyber threats and maintain Ghana’s exemplary cybersecurity posture.