CSA launches cybersecurity education in 32 districts

TLDR:

• Mary Ama Bawah of the Cyber Security Authority highlights the use of sophisticated software by malicious actors to spread misinformation.
• The CSA will conduct cybersecurity education in 32 districts ahead of the 2024 elections to counter false narratives.

Mary Ama Bawah, a member of the Capacity Building and Awareness Creation Unit of the Cyber Security Authority, emphasized the use of advanced software by malicious actors, such as deep fakes, to target marginalized ethnic groups with misinformation. To address this issue, the CSA will launch a comprehensive cybersecurity education campaign in 32 districts before the 2024 elections. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the prevalence of false information spread on digital platforms and the need for proactive measures to combat such threats. Ms. Bawah highlighted the CSA’s response strategy, which involves collaborating with stakeholders like media and law enforcement agencies to swiftly debunk misinformation. Additionally, the CSA will work with tech companies like TikTok, X, and Facebook to take down harmful content and enhance international cooperation to tackle cybercrimes effectively.

The second Election Working Group meeting in Accra where Ms. Bawah made these remarks was attended by key figures like Mr. Kwaku Krobea Asante from Fact-Check Ghana, Mr. Yaw Sarpong Boateng from the Right to Information Commission, and Mr. George Sarpong from the National Media Commission. The meeting emphasized the importance of countering misinformation and disinformation to ensure the integrity of the upcoming elections.