1.
Ghana is strengthening its focus on cyber resilience for critical infrastructure, with the government calling for greater protection of the operational technology (OT) systems that support essential services.
Speaking at the Cyber Security Authority’s workshop in Accra, themed “Critical Information Infrastructure Resilience Beyond I.T.: Securing Ghana’s Operational Technology Ecosystem,” Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations Samuel Nartey George highlighted the growing connection between national digital security and the protection of services including power, water, transport, healthcare and financial services.
The minister noted that cybersecurity efforts have traditionally concentrated on IT systems such as databases, websites and enterprise networks. However, critical services also rely on operational technologies including industrial control systems, SCADA platforms, sensors and field devices.
George warned that attacks targeting OT environments could extend beyond data loss, potentially disrupting essential services and putting lives at risk. The government is therefore adopting a cyber-resilience approach designed to help critical institutions anticipate threats, withstand attacks, restore essential services quickly and adapt to emerging vulnerabilities.
Compliance with Ghana’s cybersecurity requirements remains mandatory, the minister stressed. Ghana currently has 13 designated Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) sectors and about 200 institutions identified as CII Owners, increasing the importance of effective implementation and accountability across the regulatory framework.
The government will continue supporting the Cyber Security Authority’s regulatory and enforcement mandate while strengthening collaboration with sector ministries and regulators. It also plans to develop a skilled national cybersecurity workforce and update policies and regulations to address emerging threats, including those associated with artificial intelligence.
George further told Board Chairs and Chief Executives that cyber resilience should not be viewed solely as a technical responsibility. He called for greater leadership-level involvement in protecting Ghana’s critical infrastructure and ensuring essential services remain resilient against cyber threats.
