Cybersecurity Authority Records Surge in Online Safety Inquiries as Ghana Boosts Youth Awareness

Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has reported a significant uptick in public engagement regarding digital safety, recording 23,363 inquiries at its specialized call centre throughout 2025. This surge in communication highlights a growing national awareness of cyber threats among the populace, even as the authority confirmed that 4,604 of these reports were validated as actual cyber incidents. These figures were disclosed by the CSA Director-General, Mr. Divine Selase Agbeti, during the official launch of the Central Region Cybersecurity Competition held in Cape Coast. The event, organized as part of the activities for Africa Safer Internet Day 2026, serves as a critical platform for educating the younger generation on the complexities and hazards of the digital landscape. The competition itself saw enthusiastic participation from various educational institutions, aiming to test and improve the digital literacy of students across the region. In a display of academic excellence and technical savvy, Adisadel College and Mfantseman Girls’ Senior High School emerged as winners in their respective categories. Beyond the competitive spirit, Mr. Agbeti used the occasion to emphasize the real human impact of cyber incidents. He underscored that behind every statistic is an individual whose life, reputation, or finances may have been disrupted, urging all internet users, particularly the youth, to take personal responsibility for their online conduct and to promptly report any unsafe experiences to the authorities. Reinforcing the message of digital vigilance, CSA Board Member Mr. Charles Kwansah highlighted the critical importance of safeguarding personal information in an increasingly connected world. He pointed out that as more Ghanaians transition to digital platforms for education, commerce, and social interaction, the risk of data breaches and identity theft remains a persistent threat. The CSA’s outreach efforts focus on equipping students with the tools to navigate these risks ethically and securely. By fostering a culture of cybersecurity from the school level, the authority aims to build a resilient digital ecosystem that can withstand the evolving tactics of cybercriminals while empowering citizens to utilize the internet's benefits safely and productively.