As Ghana accelerates its journey toward a fully digital economy, MTN Ghana has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding users through a stronger partnership with the Cyber Security Authority (CSA). The company’s latest Bright Conversations Series event, held in Accra, underscored the importance of digital safety, responsible technology use, and collective action in combating the growing threat of cybercrime.
The session, moderated by Jacqueline Hanson-Kotei, Senior Manager for Enterprise Information Security and Governance at MTN Ghana, brought together leading voices in the nation’s cybersecurity landscape, including Isaac Socrates Mensah, Senior Manager at the CSA, and Seth Gyapong-Oware, Senior Manager for Legal and Compliance at the Authority. Together, they discussed how Ghana can build digital trust and resilience at a time when online threats are evolving rapidly.
In his address, Mr. Mensah stressed that Ghana’s digital progress—through innovations like mobile money, e-commerce, and e-governance—has also increased the nation’s exposure to cyber risks. He revealed that the CSA has recorded nearly 300 cybercrime incidents this year, with the majority involving social engineering scams, where fraudsters exploit human trust rather than breaching technological systems.
“Cybersecurity is no longer just about technology; it’s about protecting people and livelihoods,” he said. “We’ve moved from technical hacking to psychological manipulation. People are deceived, not hacked. That’s why education and vigilance are now the most powerful tools we have.”
Mr. Mensah further announced that the Cyber Security Authority, in collaboration with telecommunications operators, is introducing a new framework linking SIM cards to their registered devices. This measure will ensure that any phone involved in cybercrime can be blacklisted across all networks, effectively disabling its use. The initiative, he said, aims to make online fraud both costly and unattractive to criminals.
He also confirmed that Ghana will soon undertake a new SIM re-registration exercise to correct past data inconsistencies and align user information with the national digital ID database for better verification and accountability.
Turning his attention to Ghana’s innovation ecosystem, Mr. Mensah urged startups and developers to adopt a security-by-design approach, ensuring that cybersecurity and privacy protections are built into products from the very beginning. “Innovation without security is like building a house without doors,” he warned. “Cybersecurity should not be an afterthought; it is an investment in trust and sustainability.”
The discussion also highlighted growing concerns about children’s safety online, with Mr. Mensah stressing that digital parenting has become a crucial responsibility. He warned that many children are being exposed to harmful content or online predators due to improper device setups or the absence of parental supervision. “When a child’s phone is configured using an adult account, important safety filters are removed,” he explained. “Parents must learn how to set up parental controls and guide their children’s online interactions. Giving a child a smartphone without supervision is like sending them into the world without guidance.”
He cited a tragic international case in which a teenager was manipulated by an AI chatbot into self-harm, describing it as a sobering reminder of the dark side of unregulated digital spaces.
Seth Gyapong-Oware of the CSA emphasized that no single institution can protect Ghana’s digital ecosystem alone. He called for greater collaboration between government agencies, private companies, and citizens to ensure a safe and resilient online environment. “Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility,” he noted. “We must all play our part—regulators, service providers, businesses, and the public alike—to keep our digital space secure.”
He reaffirmed the government’s ongoing work under the National Cybersecurity Agenda, which focuses on education, cross-border cooperation, and workforce development to strengthen national resilience.
MTN Ghana reaffirmed its role as a responsible corporate leader in promoting digital literacy and online safety. The company stated that its Bright Conversations Series forms part of its long-term vision to empower Ghanaians with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the digital world safely.
“At MTN, we believe that progress in the digital era must be built on trust and safety,” the company declared. “We will continue to work closely with the Cyber Security Authority and other key partners to ensure that Ghanaians enjoy a secure and trustworthy digital experience.”
Ms. Hanson-Kotei reiterated MTN’s commitment to expanding public education initiatives, improving data protection measures, and supporting national cybersecurity campaigns. She emphasized that MTN’s mission goes beyond connectivity—it extends to ensuring that every Ghanaian can participate in the digital space securely.
“Ghana’s digital future is bright, but it must be safe,” she said. “Trust is the currency of the digital age, and that trust can only be earned through awareness, accountability, and responsible technology use.”
The Bright Conversations forum ended with a renewed national call for unity and responsibility in securing Ghana’s online ecosystem. Through its partnership with the Cyber Security Authority, MTN Ghana continues to position itself as a driving force in promoting digital resilience, protecting users, and ensuring that Ghana’s journey toward a digital future remains both secure and inclusive.
