Ghana Communication Technology University Appeals for Support on Cyber Security Facility

The Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU)  has called on the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations for support in boosting its digital infrastructure and establishing a dedicated cyber security laboratory. The request was made during a courtesy call on the Minister, Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), by a GCTU delegation led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwah. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Minister Hon. Mohammed Adams Sukparu, who represented the sector Minister.

According to the university, the cyber security lab is a follow-up request previously presented to the Minister during an alumni dinner event. Prof. Afoakwah explained that the edifice to house the lab is already under construction and only requires finishing support to operationalize the facility. The lab, once established, is expected to complement the mandate of the Cyber Security Authority by strengthening Ghana’s resilience to emerging cyber threats.

Responding to the request, Hon. Sukparu emphasized that cyber security remains a national priority, noting its critical role in protecting government operations and digital systems. He assured the delegation that the Minister fully recognizes the urgency of the issue and expressed the Ministry’s willingness to provide support, subject to the availability of resources.

Beyond the cyber security lab, Prof. Afoakwah also extended an invitation to the Ministry to inaugurate GCTU’s newly completed Centre for Innovation, Technological Skills, and Entrepreneurship Training. The centre, equipped with 92 high-specification computers and intelligent boards, is designed to train entrepreneurs and ICT professionals with practical skills for the digital economy.

Hon. Sukparu commended GCTU’s efforts, highlighting that such initiatives align closely with government programmes, particularly the ‘Girls in ICT’ initiative, which often struggles with finding adequate training facilities across the country. He further noted that the Ministry could leverage the university’s facilities for upcoming projects, including the One Million Coders Programme. He assured the university that all requests, including the invitation to the inauguration and support for the cyber security lab, would be conveyed to the Minister, and the Ministry would communicate the official date for the centre’s commissioning soon.