Cybersecurity No Longer Optional – MTN Ghana’s Jacqueline Hanson-Kotei Warns at Kumasi Forum
MTN Ghana has intensified its advocacy for stronger digital security awareness as part of efforts to combat the increasing threat of cybercrime in the country. This was highlighted during a staff cybersecurity awareness forum organized by the company’s Northern Business District on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at its Ashanti Regional Office in Kaase, Kumasi.
The event formed part of MTN’s annual global cybersecurity awareness campaign, an initiative aimed at building internal capacity, promoting responsible digital practices, and equipping staff with practical tools to stay safe online.
Held under the theme “Securing Our Digital Future,” the forum brought together employees from across the Ashanti Region for an engaging and insightful discussion on how to identify, prevent, and respond to cyber threats. Participants were educated on key topics such as social engineering tactics, data protection, phishing attacks, online scams, and the importance of digital hygiene in their personal and professional lives.
The interactive session featured a panel discussion led by notable MTN Ghana executives, including Adwoa Afrakoma Baah Obeng, Senior Manager, Retail Experience – Northern Business District; Jacqueline Hanson-Kotei, Senior Manager, Enterprise Information Security and Governance – MTN Ghana; and Simon Amoh, Senior Manager – Northern Business District.
The panelists emphasized the need for a holistic approach to cybersecurity, stressing that protecting digital systems and data is no longer the sole responsibility of IT departments but a collective duty for all employees and users of digital platforms.
Addressing journalists after the forum, Jacqueline Hanson-Kotei delivered a powerful message that resonated strongly with participants and the broader public. She warned that cybersecurity can no longer be treated as an optional consideration in today’s digital era, where individuals and organizations rely heavily on technology for communication, business, and everyday transactions.
“Cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s essential,” Hanson-Kotei declared. “As technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. Everyone, from individuals to businesses, must take proactive steps to protect their digital lives. Awareness and responsible online behavior are the first lines of defense.”
She noted that the Kumasi forum is one of several initiatives by MTN Ghana to strengthen its internal cybersecurity culture while contributing to national awareness efforts. The company, she revealed, has been engaging in cybersecurity outreach programs across the country, including educational campaigns in senior high schools in both rural and urban areas.
“These programs are designed to educate young people about the dangers of cybercrime, the importance of protecting their personal data, and how their online activities can affect their future,” she explained. “Our goal is to nurture a digitally responsible generation that understands both the opportunities and risks of the online world.”
Hanson-Kotei further emphasized MTN Ghana’s continued commitment to working with regulators, educational institutions, and cybersecurity agencies to promote safe digital ecosystems nationwide. She urged employees and the public alike to remain vigilant, stay informed about emerging threats, and act as cybersecurity ambassadors in their workplaces and communities.
“Every single one of us has a role to play in securing our digital future,” she added. “Let’s make conscious efforts to think before we click, verify before we share, and protect our data as we would protect our most valuable possessions.”
The Kumasi event drew widespread praise from participants, who lauded MTN Ghana for prioritizing cybersecurity education as part of its broader corporate responsibility strategy. Many described the session as timely and enlightening, especially in light of the increasing sophistication of online scams and data breaches affecting individuals and organizations globally.
Through such initiatives, MTN Ghana continues to demonstrate leadership in driving digital safety awareness, empowering its workforce, and contributing to Ghana’s national cybersecurity agenda. The company’s ongoing efforts reaffirm its mission of connecting people securely and responsibly while building a resilient digital future for all.
