As Ghana’s digital economy continues to expand, cybersecurity experts are warning that the greatest threat facing the nation’s online safety is not technological weakness but human behavior. This message resonated powerfully at the latest edition of the Bright Conversations Forum hosted by MTN Ghana, where stakeholders from the public and private sectors called for a collective shift towards responsible digital behavior to curb the alarming rise in cybercrime.
The forum, which brought together thought leaders, technology professionals, and officials from the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), highlighted the urgent need for Ghanaians to adopt safe online practices as part of the country’s broader digital transformation. The discussion was moderated by Jacqueline Hanson-Kotei, Senior Manager for Enterprise Information Security and Governance at MTN Ghana, and featured insightful contributions from Isaac Socrates Mensah and Seth Gyapong-Oware of the CSA.
Mr. Mensah revealed that a majority of cyber incidents reported in Ghana in 2025 have been caused by social manipulation rather than technical hacking. He explained that most attacks rely on deceiving unsuspecting individuals through false information, fraudulent investment schemes, and impersonation tactics. According to data from the Cyber Security Authority, nearly 300 cyber-related cases have been documented this year, ranging from phishing to digital extortion and impersonation of public officials.
He cautioned that while systems and software play a role in protecting data, true cybersecurity depends on human vigilance and awareness. He stressed that technological systems are only as strong as the people who use them responsibly, emphasizing that awareness is the first and most important line of defense.
Mr. Mensah urged Ghanaians to be more cautious in their online engagements, to verify information before acting on it, and to avoid sharing personal or financial details with unverified sources. He noted that many scams thrive on human trust and ignorance, warning citizens to remain alert in order to safeguard their digital lives. He likened online safety to securing one’s home, stating that just as people lock their doors to prevent intruders, they must also take deliberate steps to protect their personal data and online accounts.
He further disclosed that the Cyber Security Authority is collaborating closely with mobile network operators, including MTN Ghana, to enhance digital identity and device tracking mechanisms. Every registered SIM card, he explained, is being linked to its corresponding mobile device to ensure accountability in digital communications. Any device found to be associated with fraudulent activities will be blacklisted across all networks. This initiative, he said, is designed to make it more difficult for cybercriminals to hide and easier for law enforcement agencies to pursue offenders.
Mr. Mensah also appealed to startups, entrepreneurs, and small business owners to incorporate cybersecurity into their business models from the onset. He emphasized that companies must design their innovations with safety in mind, treating security not as an afterthought but as a fundamental principle. He said businesses that prioritize data protection and customer trust will have a competitive advantage in the future digital marketplace.
Another critical issue discussed at the forum was the protection of children in the digital space. Mr. Mensah expressed concern over the increasing exposure of minors to harmful online content and the growing influence of malicious actors who use artificial intelligence and chatbots to manipulate children. He advised parents to take active roles in supervising their children’s online activities and to use child-friendly platforms such as YouTube Kids and safe browsing settings. He warned that using adult accounts to set up children’s devices disables built-in safety controls, putting minors at unnecessary risk.
Adding his voice to the discussion, CSA’s Seth Gyapong-Oware emphasized that cybersecurity must be viewed as a shared national responsibility rather than a government-driven initiative. He stated that protecting Ghana’s cyberspace requires collaboration between government institutions, private companies, and citizens. According to him, cybersecurity is not just about installing firewalls and writing policies; it is about changing behaviors, building awareness, and nurturing a culture where every Ghanaian understands their role in maintaining digital safety.
He highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts through the National Cybersecurity Agenda, which seeks to improve collaboration across institutions, strengthen legal frameworks, and expand public education on online safety. He commended MTN Ghana for its continued partnership with the CSA in driving national dialogue on cybersecurity, particularly through platforms such as the Bright Conversations series.
In her closing remarks, MTN Ghana’s Jacqueline Hanson-Kotei reaffirmed the company’s commitment to empowering Ghanaians through technology while ensuring that digital inclusion goes hand in hand with safety. She noted that MTN’s vision extends beyond providing connectivity; it also involves building a safe, informed, and resilient digital community.
She described cybersecurity awareness as a shared duty that requires proactive engagement from individuals, businesses, and institutions alike. According to her, MTN Ghana will continue to champion responsible digital citizenship through public sensitization, advocacy, and educational initiatives.
MTN Ghana’s collaboration with the Cyber Security Authority underscores its leadership in promoting ethical technology use and digital safety across the nation. The company’s continuous investment in public education and engagement reflects a strong belief that cybersecurity is not merely a technical obligation but a social responsibility.
As Ghana’s digital ecosystem grows, the call from MTN Ghana and the Cyber Security Authority remains clear: the fight against cybercrime cannot be won by technology alone. It demands awareness, vigilance, and a united national effort to ensure that connectivity becomes a tool for empowerment rather than a weapon for exploitation.
