Ghana Strengthens Tech Ecosystem with Launch of CITSETT at GCTU

The Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, officially launched the Centre for Innovation Technology Skills and Entrepreneurship Training (CITSETT) at the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) on October 16, 2025. The event marked a significant milestone in Ghana’s effort to strengthen innovation, skills development, and entrepreneurship within the digital economy.

In his keynote address, the Deputy Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting GCTU’s vision of becoming a leading hub for regional innovation. He emphasized that CITSETT represents more than just the creation of a physical facility; it stands as a symbol of Ghana’s determination to cultivate talent, stimulate innovation, commercialize creative ideas, and enhance the nation’s competitiveness in the global digital arena.

Sukparu announced that the Ministry is supporting three strategic priorities identified by GCTU’s leadership: upgrading the university’s digital infrastructure, establishing a modern cybersecurity laboratory, and advancing its broader innovation agenda. He stated that investments would be made in areas such as fiber connectivity, data center access, campus Wi-Fi, and cloud infrastructure to ensure GCTU becomes a model of digital transformation in higher education.

Addressing the growing need for cyber resilience, the Deputy Minister highlighted the importance of the proposed cybersecurity laboratory. The facility is expected to provide hands-on training in digital forensics, ethical hacking, penetration testing, threat intelligence, and real-world cyberattack simulations. These programs aim to prepare students for the job market while strengthening Ghana’s overall cybersecurity framework.

Sukparu also praised GCTU’s ambition to create a local equivalent of Silicon Valley, positioning Ghana as a regional center for technology and innovation. To guarantee the Centre’s sustainability, he outlined four key measures: prioritizing infrastructure and cybersecurity funding in the Ministry’s budget, fostering collaboration between GCTU and national digital programs, leveraging initiatives like the Ghana Digital Acceleration Project (GDAP) for capacity building, and developing a long-term sustainability plan for the Centre.

The launch of CITSETT marks a new chapter in Ghana’s digital transformation journey, underscoring the government’s focus on equipping young people with the skills and entrepreneurial mindset needed to thrive in the evolving digital landscape.