The Ghanaian government is working on a National Cyber Security Policy framework to counter cyber threats.
Victoria Hamah, deputy minister of communications, revealed the government has signed an agreement with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).
The contract will cater for the development of a national Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) to deal swiftly with attacks on national security and securing safe browsing for Ghanaians.
Hamah spoke yesterday (Monday) at the opening ceremony of the Ghana Network Operators’ Group (GhNOG) workshop which took place in the capital city, Accra.
The four day-long workshop is aimed at both public and private sectors for the sparking of conversation around adoption, design, implementation and management of networks and other relevant technologies in the government, academic sphere and industry.
The national government is aspiring to grow towards an information economy, with upgrades of the infrastructures underway with the assistance of the United States (US).
Furthermore, the Ghana Internet Exchange will branch out its hubs to Takoradi, Kumasi and
Tamale, with an I-root server project also moving along.
Upgrading the system will increase the speed of access to information with optimal bandwidth optimisation.
The deputy minister requested the Information Technology Association of Ghana (ITAG) and National Information Technology Agency (NITA) to start the accreditation process for the bridging of the skills gap and accessible development.
NITA is working on the establishment of guidelines for more effective IT use.
William Tevie, director general at NITA, said: “It is my hope that once this has been done, persons with skills from such workshops will be duly recognised and tapped for national development,”Ghana News Agency reported.
While NITA and ITAG are also in the process of collaboration, Tevie encouraged partner organisations to also upgrade to the national Critical Internet Infrastructure (CII).
Anthony K Ahiawodzi, pro-vice chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, emphasised the importance of communication technology in modern education.
He said: “Not only does it grant institutions of higher learning the ability to enhance teaching, learning and research capacity, it also offers the opportunity to extend reach through distance learning; thus positioning the institutions to address the challenges and responsibilities facing higher education.”
