The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) is working with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to strengthen cybersecurity training in tertiary institutions as part of efforts to address the shortage of skilled professionals needed to protect the country’s digital infrastructure.
The initiative will also see basic cybersecurity and cyber hygiene education integrated into tertiary education curricula to equip students with the knowledge and skills to identify and respond to cyber threats.
The Deputy Director-General in charge of Regulatory Operations at the CSA, Dr Jamaldeen Tonzua Seidu, disclosed this at the CyberSecure Ghana International Conference 2026 held in Accra.
The conference, organised by SIMT University College, was held on the theme: “Securing Ghana’s Digital Economy: Leadership, Trust and Cyber Resilience”.
“This collaboration with GTEC was intended to strengthen the quality and relevance of cybersecurity training in the country,” he said.
He said educational institutions were strategically positioned to support the development of the country’s cybersecurity workforce through professional training, research and public awareness.
Dr Seidu said the skills deficit in the cybersecurity sector posed a challenge to the country’s ability to protect sensitive systems and respond to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
He said academic institutions could help bridge the gap by training professionals capable of handling sensitive cybersecurity responsibilities.
Dr Seidu explained that universities and other tertiary institutions had large student populations, which presented an opportunity to promote cybersecurity awareness and good online practices.
He said the collaboration between the CSA and academic institutions was also important in strengthening regulatory compliance, particularly because the educational sector was one of the 13 designated critical information infrastructure sectors in Ghana.
Dr Seidu urged designated critical information infrastructure entities to engage licensed and accredited cybersecurity professionals and firms to protect their systems.
He said organisations must also move beyond relying solely on antivirus software and firewalls by establishing dedicated cybersecurity offices, policies and governance structures.
Cybersecurity beyond the classroom
The Rector of SIMT University College, Dr Raju Sonavane, said the increasing dependence on technology for everyday activities had made cybersecurity an essential requirement for individuals and organisations.
He said people relied on mobile phones and digital platforms for banking, education, business transactions, communication and access to information, making the protection of personal and institutional data increasingly important.
Dr Sonavane said the growing reliance on digital platforms had also exposed users to threats such as online fraud, phishing attacks, identity theft, financial scams, data breaches and cyber burglary.
He said a single cybersecurity incident could expose personal information and disrupt the operations of entire organisations.
