Ghana has initiated a significant project to bolster the cybersecurity capabilities of community media professionals nationwide. The National Community Media Cyber Capability Building Project (NCMCCBP) will officially launch on Monday, August 3, aiming to improve cyber awareness and enhance digital resilience across the country.
This initiative seeks to equip journalists, editors, broadcasters, and bloggers with essential knowledge and practical skills. Participants will learn to report accurately on cybersecurity issues, combat online misinformation, and promote digital safety. The project also focuses on strengthening child online protection and building cyber resilience within local communities.
The NCMCCBP is a collaborative effort led by the Africa Centre for Digital Transformation (ACDT) and the Cyber Security Authority (CSA). It receives crucial support from the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Ghana through its Transformation Cooperation Programme. This partnership highlights Ghana's commitment to leveraging international cooperation for national security.
The launch event will take place at the National Communications Authority (NCA) Tower in Accra. The theme for the launch is "Advancing Ghana's National Security and Cyber Defence Objectives through Community Media Strengthening for Cybercrime Awareness and Digital Risk Communication." This theme underscores the project's dual focus on national security and public education.
Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, will deliver the keynote address. Other key speakers include Divine Selase Agbeti, Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority, and HE Pavel Bílek, the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Ghana. Their participation emphasizes the high-level commitment to this critical national endeavor.
A major feature of the launch will be a high-level panel discussion on emerging cyber threats. The panel will explore the role of community media in promoting cybersecurity awareness and public trust. Panelists include COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, and Major General Dr Timothy Tifucro Ba-Taa-Banah, Director of the National Counter Terrorism Fusion Centre.
The discussion will also feature Benjamin Avornyotse, Director of Communications at the Cyber Security Authority, and Emmanuel Agyare from ACDT. They will discuss how stronger collaboration among government, security agencies, and the media can improve cybercrime awareness and safeguard Ghana's digital space. This multi-stakeholder approach is crucial for comprehensive cyber defense.
Following the launch, selected journalists from community radio stations and local media outlets will undergo an intensive capacity-building program. This training will cover cybersecurity reporting, cybercrime trends, online safety, and fact-checking. It will also address digital rights, responsible journalism, and ethical reporting in the digital age.
Participants who successfully complete the training and practical assignments will receive certification. They will also be inducted into the Cyber Security Press Corps, a national network of media professionals. This corps will be dedicated to promoting cybersecurity education and public awareness through responsible journalism, creating a lasting impact.
The Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Digital Transformation emphasized the importance of empowering community media practitioners. "Empowering community media practitioners is essential to ensuring that cybersecurity education reaches citizens in every district and community across Ghana," the Executive Director stated. This highlights the project's goal of widespread public engagement.
Organizers believe the National Community Media Cyber Capability Building Project marks an important step in Ghana's efforts to strengthen cyber resilience. It leverages strategic partnerships, media development, and international cooperation. By utilizing the extensive reach of community media, the initiative aims to bridge the cybersecurity awareness gap and encourage responsible digital citizenship. This will contribute to a safer, more secure, and resilient digital future for all Ghanaians.