Ethosec Founder Calls for Stronger Cybersecurity Policies to Protect Ghana’s Digital Future
Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr. | WAGMC, Accra | July 31, 2026
The Founder of Ethosec and Convener of ETHOCON, Ashraf Saaka, has called for stronger cybersecurity policies, stricter enforcement of existing regulations, and greater public awareness to safeguard Ghana’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem.
Speaking during ETHOCON 2026, organised by Ethosec in partnership with PayDirect under the theme “Securing Ghana’s Digital Future: Trust, Resilience and Shared Responsibility” at the West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC), University of Ghana, Legon, Mr. Saaka said Ghana’s rapid digital transformation has created a growing gap between technology adoption and cybersecurity preparedness.
He noted that while digital wallets, online banking and electronic services have become widely accepted, cybercriminals continue to exploit vulnerabilities through scams, fraud and social engineering.
According to him, cybersecurity is no longer limited to protecting financial transactions but extends to critical national infrastructure, including power systems and other digital operations.
Mr. Saaka explained that ETHOCON was created to bring together policymakers, government agencies, cybersecurity professionals and industry players to discuss practical measures to strengthen Ghana’s cyber resilience.
Touching on artificial intelligence, he said AI presents enormous opportunities but also introduces new cybersecurity risks if adequate safeguards are not implemented.
He stressed that cybercriminals are increasingly using AI to develop more sophisticated attacks, making it imperative for governments and organisations to establish strong security guardrails alongside AI adoption.
Mr. Saaka further urged government to accelerate the development of cybersecurity policies to keep pace with technological innovation.
He also called for stronger enforcement powers for regulators, including sanctions against organisations that fail to comply with cybersecurity standards through fines or temporary suspension of services where necessary.
The cybersecurity expert advised financial institutions to continuously patch vulnerable systems, monitor network activities, eliminate obsolete technologies and adopt internationally recognised cybersecurity best practices.
For individuals, he encouraged greater vigilance against fraudsters, warning the public never to disclose Mobile Money PINs or sensitive financial information to callers claiming to be officials.
He described cybersecurity as a shared responsibility that requires continuous public education, policy reforms and collaboration among all stakeholders.
Mr. Saaka also encouraged young Ghanaians to pursue careers in cybersecurity, saying the country’s increasing digitalisation will require more professionals to address emerging cyber threats.
