Accra: Mr. Divine Selase Agbeti, Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), has announced plans to establish a Cybersecurity Press Corps to strengthen accurate and responsible reporting on cyber threats in Ghana. The initiative is intended to build a network of journalists with the capacity to improve public awareness of cyber risks, expose emerging online scams, and support national cybersecurity education.
According to Ghana News Agency, the media plays a crucial role in preventing cybercrime. Mr. Agbeti emphasized that a single radio discussion in a local language could prevent thousands from falling victim to fraud, while television interviews could expose new scams before they spread nationwide. This statement was made at the launch of the National Community Media Cyber Capacity Building Project (NCMCCBP) in Accra. The project, implemented by the CSA in partnership with the Africa Centre for Digital Transformation (ACDT) and funded by the Government of the Czech Republic, aims to enhance the capacity of community and mainstream media practitioners to educate the public on cybersecurity, online safety, and responsible digital behavior.
Mr. Agbeti highlighted the increasing sophistication of cybercrime, noting that criminals often use social media and other digital platforms to gather information on potential victims. He urged the public to be cautious when sharing personal information online, citing prevalent cyber threats such as mobile money fraud, online investment scams, romance fraud, identity theft, sextortion, business email compromise, and online impersonation.
The CSA is collaborating with the Ghana Police Service, National Security, the Economic and Organised Crime Office, and international partners to investigate and disrupt cybercriminal networks. The proposed Cybersecurity Press Corps aims to help journalists report cyber incidents accurately, explain complex technical issues in accessible language, and provide timely public information on emerging cyber threats. Mr. Agbeti emphasized that informed reporting could help prevent cybercrime and protect the public.
Mr. Pavel Blek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Ghana, stated that the project reflects the growing cybersecurity partnership between Ghana and the Czech Republic. The Czech Government has supported Ghana's cybersecurity sector for over four years through technical cooperation, specialized training, and the provision of digital forensic equipment. The Ambassador mentioned that over 100 journalists from national, regional, and community media organizations would receive training on cyber threats, online fraud, misinformation, child online protection, and responsible reporting.
Ambassador Blek reaffirmed the Czech Republic's commitment to supporting Ghana's efforts to strengthen cybersecurity through expertise, technology, and long-term institutional partnerships. He stressed the important role that professional and well-informed media play in helping citizens understand risks, recognize scams, and make safer choices online. In the digital age, the media serves as educators, early warning actors, and bridges between institutions and communities.