On, October 23, 2017, Ambassador Robert P. Jackson delivered remarks at an event commemorating Ghana’s National Cybersecurity Week held at the Accra International Conference Center. The event, titled “Securing Ghana’s Digital Journey,” also featured remarks from the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo; and the Minister of Communications, Honorable Ursula Owusu-Ekuful. Other guests included senior business leaders, members from the diplomatic corps, and the media.
In his remarks, President Akufo-Addo highlighted that cyber security/cybercrime has no boundaries. He stated that developing nations have a fragile infrastructure that can easily be taken advantage of by criminals, and noted that he has directed his Minister of Communication to protect Ghana’s cyber infrastructure and will create a National Cyber Security Center. Ghana, he said, is also working towards e-governance to include E-Justice, E-Transformation, E-Procurement, and E-Passports.
Ambassador Jackson thanked the Government of Ghana for inviting him to participate in support Ghana’s National Cybersecurity Week Celebration, and observed that our joint efforts and the Security Governance Initiative are fortifying Ghana’s cybersecurity and capacity to fight cybercrime and strengthening the administration of justice.
“I am pleased that the Government of Ghana is committed to doing the hard work of identifying and addressing cyber threats to ensure the people of this nation can fully and more securely benefit from their right to access to the Internet and the fruits of information technology… The United States of America is proud to support Ghana’s efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity capacity to enable Ghanaians to educate and prepare themselves through internet access to successfully compete in this 21st century economy, thereby lifting this nation’s economy to new heights. Together, we can make our shared vision a reality,” he said.
Read full remarks here.