As Ghana continues to embrace digital innovation across every sector of its economy, MTN Ghana, in collaboration with the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), has called for a stronger national culture of digital responsibility and collective action to curb the rising tide of cyber threats. This appeal was made during MTN Ghana’s flagship Bright Conversations Series, held in Accra, which brought together cybersecurity experts, policymakers, and technology industry players to discuss ways to enhance digital trust and protect users in an increasingly connected society.
The dialogue, moderated by Jacqueline Hanson-Kotei, Senior Manager for Enterprise Information Security and Governance at MTN Ghana, featured two key representatives from the CSA—Isaac Socrates Mensah, Senior Manager, and Seth Gyapong-Oware, Senior Manager for Legal and Compliance. The session, themed around building digital safety and resilience, underscored the importance of responsible online behavior, cyber awareness, and collaborative governance in safeguarding Ghana’s fast-expanding digital landscape.
In his presentation, Mr. Mensah revealed that Ghana’s growing reliance on technology—ranging from mobile money and e-commerce to e-learning and digital identification—has significantly expanded the country’s cyber risk exposure. He noted that while these technologies have driven economic progress, they have also made citizens vulnerable to manipulation by cybercriminals.
“Cybersecurity is not just about protecting systems; it’s about protecting people’s livelihoods,” he emphasized. “We have moved from an era of technical hacking to one dominated by social engineering and psychological manipulation. People are deceived, not hacked, and that’s why awareness is now our strongest defense.”
Mr. Mensah disclosed that the Cyber Security Authority has handled nearly 300 cybercrime cases this year, with the majority involving socially engineered scams that exploit trust and curiosity. He added that the most common threats include fake investment platforms, phishing messages, romance scams, and fraudulent mobile money transactions—often orchestrated by syndicates targeting unsuspecting individuals.
He explained that the Authority, in partnership with mobile network operators, is implementing a new regulatory framework linking SIM cards to their registered devices, a move aimed at reducing SIM fraud and tracking criminal devices across networks. “Our goal is to make digital fraud expensive and unattractive,” Mr. Mensah stated. “Once a device is identified as being involved in fraud, it will be blacklisted nationwide, rendering it unusable on any network.”
He further revealed that Ghana will soon embark on a fresh SIM re-registration exercise to correct existing data inconsistencies and ensure that subscriber records align with the national digital ID database. This, he said, will enhance accountability and prevent the misuse of unregistered or fraudulent identities.
Touching on the issue of child safety online, Mr. Mensah described it as one of the country’s most urgent digital concerns. He warned that the increasing number of children accessing the internet without proper supervision exposes them to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and online predators. “Parents must take charge of their children’s digital lives,” he urged. “When a child’s device is set up using an adult account, vital safety filters are removed. Use parental controls and guide your children to make informed online choices.”
He cited a disturbing international case in which a teenager was manipulated by an artificial intelligence chatbot to self-harm, stressing that such incidents serve as a stark reminder of the need for proactive digital parenting. “Giving a child a smartphone without guidance is like letting them wander the world without protection,” he added.
For his part, Seth Gyapong-Oware highlighted that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility requiring collaboration between regulators, service providers, and the general public. “No single entity can secure the digital ecosystem alone,” he said. “We need multi-sectoral cooperation—between government agencies, telecom operators, businesses, and citizens—to create a resilient digital environment.”
He commended MTN Ghana for its consistent partnership with the CSA and its commitment to advancing public awareness through initiatives such as the Bright Conversations Series. He noted that the government’s National Cybersecurity Agenda focuses on strengthening cross-border collaboration, workforce capacity, and digital literacy, all of which are vital to securing the nation’s digital infrastructure.
In a statement, MTN Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to promoting digital literacy, privacy protection, and responsible connectivity. The company explained that the Bright Conversations Series aligns with its long-standing vision to empower individuals and businesses with knowledge that promotes safe online behavior.
“At MTN, we believe that progress in the digital world must be anchored on trust, safety, and responsibility,” the statement read. “Our collaboration with the Cyber Security Authority is a reflection of our shared mission to create a secure, inclusive, and trusted digital space for all Ghanaians.”
Ms. Jacqueline Hanson-Kotei reiterated MTN’s readiness to support the national cybersecurity drive by expanding public education, strengthening its internal data protection systems, and collaborating with key institutions to ensure the responsible use of digital technologies. She emphasized that the company’s commitment extends beyond connectivity—it is about empowering citizens to thrive securely in the digital age.
“Digital transformation is the future of Ghana,” she said. “But that future can only be sustained when it is built on trust. And trust comes from safety, education, and shared responsibility.”
The Bright Conversations Series concluded with a strong collective message: every Ghanaian has a role to play in protecting the nation’s digital frontier. Through its ongoing partnership with the Cyber Security Authority, MTN Ghana continues to lead the national conversation on cybersecurity and digital responsibility, reinforcing its position as a champion of digital safety and a trusted partner in Ghana’s technological growth.
