In a groundbreaking move, Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has awarded licences and accreditation to 51 key players in the cybersecurity sector. This marks the first time such licences have been granted in the country.
Among the newly licensed are Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs) like Virtual Infosec Africa, e-Crime Bureau, and CWG Ghana. Several banks, including Absa, Access, Fidelity, and Guarantee Trust, are recognized as Cybersecurity Establishments (CEs). The list also includes prominent Cybersecurity Professionals (CPs) like Kester Quist-Aphetsi, Tornyelli Tetteh, Jeannette Quayson, Olivia Jones, and Ebenezer N. Nakoja.
This initiative comes as Ghana grapples with over 4 million data breaches this year. The country ranks ninth in Africa and 92nd globally for data breaches, with 12 incidents per 100 people, according to a report by VPN firm Surf Shark.
The CSA hailed this as a historic achievement, positioning Ghana as the first African nation and the second globally, after Singapore, to implement a comprehensive regulatory framework for CSPs, CEs, and CPs.
Looking ahead, the CSA plans to licence more providers and enforce strict compliance, with penalties for those who fail to meet standards.
Albert Antwi-Boasiako, the CSA’s Director-General, emphasised that offering cybersecurity services without a licence is a breach of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020. Offenders will face sanctions, including criminal prosecution and penalties.
Antwi-Boasiako also encouraged those in the licensing process to fulfill all requirements and noted that the CSA is collaborating with the Public Procurement Authority to ensure adherence to the guidelines.