MTN Ghana Champions National Dialogue on Cybersecurity, Urges Collective Action Against Digital Threats
MTN Ghana has taken a commanding step in advancing the national conversation on cybersecurity, calling for stronger collaboration among government institutions, private organizations, and individual citizens to counter the increasing wave of digital threats confronting Ghana’s growing digital economy.
The leading telecommunications company made the call during its Bright Conversations series—an influential knowledge-sharing platform that convenes experts and policymakers to deliberate on critical technological and national issues. This edition focused on the urgent need to build a culture of digital vigilance and strengthen national resilience against cyberattacks.
The event, moderated by Jacqueline Hanson-Kotei, Senior Manager for Enterprise Information Security and Governance at MTN Ghana, brought together two key experts from the Cyber Security Authority (CSA)—Mr. Isaac Socrates Mensah, Senior Manager at the CSA, and Mr. Seth Gyapong-Oware, Senior Manager for Legal and Compliance. Their insights revealed a clear message: Ghana’s fight against cybercrime must be collective, strategic, and continuous.
Speaking at the discussion, Mr. Mensah emphasized that the human factor has become the primary driver of cyber incidents in recent years, replacing the once-dominant system-based breaches. He noted that cybercriminals are now focusing more on manipulating human behavior rather than exploiting technological loopholes.
“Cybercriminals now target people, not just systems,” he said. “They deceive individuals into sharing personal information, clicking on fake links, or downloading malicious files—and that is where most breaches begin.”
He disclosed that the CSA is working closely with mobile network operators to upgrade data verification systems to curb SIM-related fraud and identity theft. In line with this, the authority plans to roll out a new SIM re-registration exercise that will integrate mobile data with Ghana’s national digital ID system to enhance user verification and accountability.
Mr. Mensah also revealed that a device-SIM linking framework is being developed as part of Ghana’s broader cybersecurity reforms. This initiative, he explained, will ensure that any device used in committing cybercrime will be blacklisted and rendered permanently inoperative across all networks. “We are introducing measures that will make cyber fraud expensive, unattractive, and technically impossible to sustain,” he asserted.
He further urged entrepreneurs and startups to prioritize cybersecurity at the foundation of their businesses. According to him, integrating security systems from the early stages of product or service design is critical to preventing future vulnerabilities. “Security should not be an afterthought,” he stated. “Every digital business must see cybersecurity as essential to its survival and reputation.”
The panel also expressed deep concern over the increasing exposure of children to online dangers. Mr. Mensah highlighted the growing risks of artificial intelligence-driven manipulation and cyber grooming, warning that children are becoming prime targets for digital exploitation. He called on parents to take an active role in monitoring their children’s online activities and setting up child-appropriate accounts to limit exposure to harmful content.
On his part, Mr. Seth Gyapong-Oware underscored that the fight against cyber threats cannot be won by government agencies alone. He stressed that cybersecurity must be viewed as a shared duty among all stakeholders—regulators, service providers, schools, and individual users.
“Cybersecurity is not just about enforcing laws; it’s about collaboration,” he said. “No single entity can fight this battle alone. It takes a whole-of-society approach, where everyone understands their role in protecting our shared digital ecosystem.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s National Cybersecurity Framework, emphasizing ongoing efforts in policy reform, capacity building, and international cooperation to ensure that the country remains secure and digitally competitive.
MTN Ghana, through its Bright Conversations platform, reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to promoting digital safety, literacy, and responsible online behavior. The company reiterated that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that requires collective awareness and continuous education at all levels of society.
“At MTN, we believe that building a safe digital environment is not the duty of one institution but the responsibility of all,” the company stated. “We will continue to collaborate with the Cyber Security Authority and all relevant partners to protect our customers, promote public awareness, and strengthen Ghana’s digital resilience.”
By creating platforms for open dialogue and expert engagement, MTN Ghana continues to assert its role not only as a telecommunications leader but also as a strategic national partner in shaping Ghana’s digital future. The company’s efforts in cybersecurity advocacy and education reflect its vision of a connected, safe, and digitally empowered nation—one where innovation thrives on a foundation of trust and security.
