Cyber Security Authority licenses service providers,professionals to boost digital resilience

In a significant step towards strengthening Ghana’s cybersecurity framework, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has licensed 18 Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs), accredited seven Cybersecurity Establishments (CEs), and certified 69 Cybersecurity Professionals (CPs) in a ceremony held last Thursday in Accra.

Speaking on behalf of the CSA Director-General, Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Stephen Cudjoe-Seshie, Head of the National Computer Emergency Response Team, applauded the recipients, emphasizing the importance of their roles in ensuring the nation’s digital safety.

The CSA has made significant strides, registering 252 CSPs, 65 CEs, and 1,451 CPs, with many more applications currently in process. The Director-General reiterated that offering cybersecurity services without proper licensing or performing cybersecurity tasks without accreditation is a violation of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038). He warned of enforcement actions for those not in compliance with the law.

“The Authority is committed to ensuring that all defaulting institutions and individuals face the appropriate sanctions, including administrative penalties and criminal prosecutions where applicable,” Dr. Antwi-Boasiako’s statement noted.

In a forward-thinking move, the CSA also announced the creation of an Industry Forum to guide policy and regulatory decisions, further supporting the development of industry standards. To facilitate compliance, the CSA has introduced a Licensing and Accreditation Clinic to assist registrants with the application process.

This licensing ceremony marks a key milestone in Ghana’s goal to become a digitally resilient nation and a leader in cybersecurity excellence across Africa. The CSA’s regulatory regime, established in March 2023 under the Cybersecurity Act, ensures that CSPs, CEs, and CPs operate in accordance with approved standards, offering greater security to consumers and addressing national security concerns.