Ghana passed its Cybersecurity Act 2020 in December 2020, to create a legal framework to safeguard critical infrastructure in Ghana. Critical infrastructure refers to systems, assets, and networks essential for society or economy functions for example, electricity grids, transportation networks, and financial institutions. In this blog, we’ll look at how the implementation of the Cybersecurity Act 2020 may influence these critical elements of Ghanaian life.

Ghana, like many other nations, has witnessed an alarming surge in cyber threats over the past few years, from cybercrime and espionage to targeted acts that pose grave danger to critical infrastructure. As such, Ghana adopted its Cybersecurity Act 2020 as a response to these risks by providing a legal protection framework for critical infrastructure across Ghana.

Implementation of Cybersecurity Act 2020

Ghana’s implementation of the Cybersecurity Act of 2020 will have an enormous effect on critical infrastructure. Here are a few ways in which this act may change them:

One of the primary effects of Cybersecurity Act 2020 will be increased cybersecurity measures for critical infrastructure, with operators of critical information infrastructure required to develop and implement cybersecurity policies, and an independent national Cybersecurity Authority overseeing compliance.

Protection of Critical Infrastructure

The Cybersecurity Act 2020 seeks to secure critical infrastructure by offering legal protections and penalties against those who attempt to disrupt or damage it; this includes fines or imprisonment for crimes such as hacking and cyber espionage.

Improved Information Sharing

The Cybersecurity Act 2020 also seeks to foster information exchange between critical infrastructure operators and government, through measures such as creating a Cybersecurity Fund to support research and development on cybersecurity as well as setting up a National Cybersecurity Center that can offer technical support services directly.

Increased awareness and training

Another positive outcome of the Cybersecurity Act 2020 will be enhanced awareness and training among operators of critical infrastructure, with each required to provide cybersecurity awareness training to their employees. Also established is a national cybersecurity program that educates people on threats to security as well as best practices.

ConclusionImplementing Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act 2020 will have an enormous effect on critical infrastructure in Ghana. The Act seeks to establish a legal basis for protecting critical information infrastructure while strengthening cybersecurity measures through information sharing, awareness building, and training initiatives. While implementation will require substantial investments and resources, protecting critical infrastructure from increasing cyber threats requires prioritization as part of a national infrastructure protection strategy