News
Stakeholders converge in Accra for ETHOCON 2025 Cyber Security Conference
Stakeholders in Ghana’s digital and cybersecurity space have converged in Accra for the Ethical Hacking and Offensive Cybersecurity Conference (ETHOCON 2025) to deliberate on safeguarding the country’s digital systems amid growing technological advancement.
Themed “Cyber Resilience for Ghana’s Digital Leap,” the high-level event is being organized by the Ethical Hacking and Offensive Security Centre (Ethosec), a cybersecurity-focused organization, to discuss strategies for strengthening the country’s cyber infrastructure in the face of increasing digital transformation.
The conference brought together representatives from government, industry, academia, civil society, leading cybersecurity experts, tech entrepreneurs, and policy advocates.
ETHOCON 2025 featured expert panel discussions and thought leadership sessions exploring emerging threats, national preparedness, digital policy direction, and the future of cybersecurity in Ghana.
Speaking with journalists, the CEO of the National Youth Authority, Osman Ayariga, said the government had taken cybersecurity seriously since the rise of the internet, putting in place laws and institutions to protect Ghana’s digital space.
He explained that laws such as the Data Protection Act and the Cybersecurity Act were helping to secure the country’s online platforms. 
He added that government had also established offices like the Signal Bureau and supported infrastructure that ensures digital safety.
According to him, while protecting cyberspace, the government was also creating opportunities for young people through tech-based programs like the One Million coders Program, Innovation Hubs, and soft skills training under the National Apprenticeship Program.
Mr. Ayariga stressed that these initiatives were part of efforts to ensure young Ghanaians were not left behind in the global digital race.
He said digital literacy, coding, online marketing, and awareness of risks like cyberbullying and hacking were now essential skills for the youth.
He also emphasized that President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for national programs was inclusive, not political.
He pointed out that the aim was to reduce unemployment and security risks by training Ghanaians regardless of their political background.
Founder of Ethosec and lead organizer of the conference, Ashraf Saaka, noted that while Ghana had made progress in building cybersecurity structures, public understanding of the issue remained narrow.
He explained that most people associate cyber threats with scams or mobile money fraud, but in reality, attacks on hospitals, electricity, and water systems could cause more serious national problems.
Mr. Saaka urged organizations to move beyond profit-focused thinking and make security a top priority.
He highlighted the importance of strategies like Zero Trust, which ensures that digital tools are secure from the ground up.
He urged cybersecurity professionals to constantly learn and adapt “because attackers only need to succeed once, but defenders must get it right every time.”
By Jacob Aggrey
South Africa’s Minister of Police Professor Firoz Cachalia, has strongly
condemned the recent xenophobic acts of violence and intimidation directed at Ghanaians and other foreign nationals within the Republic of South Africa.
“These actions are not only unlawful, but they stand in direct opposition to the values of dignity, equality, and human rights upon which our democracy is founded. South Africa is a constitutional state governed by the rule of law. No individual or group has the authority to take the law into their own hands, irrespective of grievances or frustrations,” he noted.
The Ministry of Police advised the members of the public that acts of xenophobia, violence, looting, or intimidation will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
According to South African Police Service (SAPS) has.been instructed to act decisively and without hesitation in addressing these incidents.
All those found to be participating in, inciting, or supporting such criminal conduct will be identified, apprehended, and brought before the courts.
The Ministry of Police called on all communities to remain calm and to reject any attempts to sow division and hatred among residents of our country.
The Ministry further urged community leaders, civil society organisations, and all stakeholders to work together with law enforcement agencies to prevent further violence and to promote dialogue and understanding.
The Government of Ghana, through the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), has commenced the disbursement of grants to beneficiaries ?(2025 cohort) under The Adwumawura Programme, an ambitious national initiative designed to support youth entrepreneurship, stimulate business growth, and drive job creation.
Launched to empower young Ghanaians with the entrepreneurial skills and resources needed to build decent and sustainable businesses.
The Adwumawura Programme, has to date, successfully trained and mentored 10,887 beneficiaries across the country.
These beneficiaries underwent 5 weeks intensive entrepreneurial training, followed by 6 months structured post-training mentorship to strengthen their business models and operational capacity.
As part of the transition from training to funding, a rigorous and transparent selection process was implemented to identify high-potential businesses for grant support.
A Grant Management Committee was duly inaugurated to oversee this process and ensure fairness, accountability, and merit-based selection.
The Committee is composed of representatives from academia, government institutions, financial agencies, development partners, and the private sector, ensuring a balanced and credible oversight structure.
Following the training phase, beneficiaries were required to submit detailed business plans outlining their proposed businesses and Innovations. These submissions underwent an initial one-week screening process, during which applications were assessed based on key criteria, including:Scalability – the potential for business growth and expansion, Job creation potential – the ability to create at least two decent employment opportunities, Sustainability – long-term viability of the business model Feasibility – practicality and readiness for implementation
Shortlisted applicants proceeded to a nationwide pitching phase, where they presented their business ideas before the Grant Management Committee. This stage provided an opportunity for further evaluation and validation of proposals, culminating in comprehensive assessment reports to guide final selection decisions.
Following this rigorous process, 3212 successful beneficiaries have been selected across all regions of the country
The commencement of grant disbursement marks a significant milestone in The Adwumawura Programme’s implementation, reinforcing Government’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship, reducing youth unemployment, and promoting inclusive economic growth.
According to NEIP remains dedicated to providing continuous support to beneficiaries through post-disbursement monitoring and business advisory services to ensure the sustainability and success of funded enterprises.
Young entrepreneaurs who could not make it in the year 2025. The 2026 cohort application portal will soon be opened.
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