Cybersecurity Is Everyone’s Job: MTN Ghana Pushes for Collective Vigilance Against Online Threats
MTN Ghana has renewed its call for collective action in combating the growing wave of cyber threats confronting the nation, emphasizing that cybersecurity must become a shared responsibility for every individual, business, and institution. This call came during the latest edition of the company’s Bright Conversations Forum, which brought together technology experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to deliberate on the human factor in cyber safety and the urgent need for a culture of digital responsibility.
The highly engaging session was moderated by Jacqueline Hanson-Kotei, Senior Manager for Enterprise Information Security and Governance at MTN Ghana, and featured two leading cybersecurity professionals from the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) — Isaac Socrates Mensah and Seth Gyapong-Oware. Together, they shed light on the changing dynamics of cybercrime in Ghana and the importance of empowering citizens with the knowledge to protect themselves and their communities in the digital age.
In his presentation, Mr. Mensah revealed that a significant number of cyber incidents recorded in Ghana this year stemmed from human error, social engineering, and deceptive manipulation, rather than direct technological breaches. He observed that many cyberattacks succeed not because systems are weak but because individuals unknowingly make themselves vulnerable through carelessness or lack of awareness. He said most fraudsters exploit human trust by using impersonation, phishing, and fake investment schemes to trick victims into releasing sensitive information.
Mr. Mensah described the human factor as the most critical element in the cybersecurity chain, stressing that no matter how advanced a security system may be, it can be compromised if the user is not alert. He said protecting Ghana’s digital space requires every citizen to adopt a security-conscious mindset and make cyber awareness part of their daily lives. He likened cybersecurity to personal safety, noting that just as people take deliberate steps to lock their homes and safeguard their property, they must also take similar precautions to secure their digital presence.
He disclosed that the Cyber Security Authority, in collaboration with mobile network operators including MTN Ghana, has intensified efforts to curb fraudulent activities through device traceability and digital identity reforms. Under this initiative, every registered SIM card is linked to its corresponding device to improve accountability and deter cyber fraud. He explained that once a device is detected to have been used for fraudulent purposes, it will be blacklisted across all networks, making it impossible for criminals to reuse it for illegal activities. This initiative, he said, will make it easier for law enforcement agencies to trace offenders and enhance public trust in digital communication systems.
Mr. Mensah also urged Ghanaian entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners to embed cybersecurity into their operations and innovations from the design stage. He said businesses that make data protection and system security a top priority will not only safeguard their assets but also win the trust of customers and investors in the long term. He called for regular cybersecurity training and periodic system audits to strengthen defenses and prevent data breaches.
Another major topic that featured prominently in the discussion was the protection of children in the digital space. Mr. Mensah expressed concern about the increasing exposure of minors to harmful online content, predators, and manipulative artificial intelligence tools. He warned that setting up children’s devices with adult accounts disables the safety filters and parental controls that protect minors from inappropriate content. He therefore advised parents and guardians to use dedicated child-friendly platforms such as YouTube Kids and activate safe browsing settings to shield children from harmful influences.
For his part, Seth Gyapong-Oware of the Cyber Security Authority underscored the importance of cooperation between government, the private sector, and citizens in building a resilient digital environment. He stated that cybersecurity is not solely the duty of experts or institutions but a shared national obligation. He explained that while government policies and technologies provide structure and defense, the real effectiveness of cybersecurity depends on how individuals act online. He said Ghana needs to cultivate a culture where every citizen treats online safety as a civic responsibility, not merely as a technical issue.
Mr. Gyapong-Oware commended the government’s ongoing efforts under the National Cybersecurity Agenda, which aim to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, international partnerships, and nationwide digital literacy. He also applauded MTN Ghana for its unwavering commitment to advancing cybersecurity education through platforms such as the Bright Conversations Forum, which has become an important space for dialogue, advocacy, and public enlightenment on responsible digital practices.
In her remarks, Jacqueline Hanson-Kotei reaffirmed MTN Ghana’s dedication to championing digital safety as a cornerstone of the company’s mission to connect and empower communities. She explained that MTN’s vision of leading the delivery of a bold new digital world can only be realized when users feel secure and confident online. She noted that MTN is committed to ensuring that connectivity remains a tool for empowerment, education, and innovation rather than an avenue for exploitation or harm.
Ms. Hanson-Kotei emphasized that cybersecurity cannot be achieved by one entity alone. She called for a united front where individuals, businesses, and institutions all play their part in protecting the integrity of Ghana’s digital ecosystem. She urged Ghanaians to take cybersecurity awareness seriously, keep personal information private, and stay alert to online scams and misinformation.
Through its continuous collaboration with the Cyber Security Authority and its extensive public education initiatives, MTN Ghana continues to demonstrate leadership in creating a safer and more informed digital society. The company’s proactive advocacy reflects a belief that cybersecurity is not just a technical challenge but a social duty that requires the commitment of every user.
As Ghana deepens its digital transformation, MTN Ghana’s message remains clear — cybersecurity is everyone’s job. Building a secure digital future demands vigilance, education, and shared responsibility, ensuring that technology continues to empower lives, drive innovation, and strengthen national development without compromising safety.
