CSA boss calls for collective action to protect children online

The acting Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority, Divine Selase Agbeti, has called for stronger collective action to protect children online as Ghana marked the Africa Safer Internet Day 2026 in Central Region.

Speaking at the Central Regional Cybersecurity Competition held as part of the celebration, Mr. Agbeti warned that while the internet has created enormous opportunities for education, communication and entrepreneurship, it has also introduced significant risks for young people.

Addressing students, representatives of traditional leaders and government officials including Central Regional Minister Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah and secretary to the Oguaa Omanhene Osabarimba Kwesi Ataa II, the Cyber Security Authority boss revealed that the country is witnessing a rising number of online threats affecting citizens, especially young people.

According to him, between January and December 2025 the Authority received 23,363 contacts from the public of which 4,604 were confirmed cyber incidents, while 18,759 involved advisory support to citizens seeking guidance on potential threats.

“These figures remind us that behind every statistic is a human story, a story of pain, betrayal and loss,” he said.

Mr. Agbeti highlighted dangers such as cyberbullying, online exploitation, identity theft, misinformation, fraud and deepfake manipulation, warning that criminals increasingly target young internet users.

He noted that under the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), offences such as cyberstalking, online grooming, sextortion and non-consensual sharing of intimate images carry severe penalties of up to 25 years imprisonment.

“The internet is not a lawless space. Ghana will not allow criminals to turn the digital environment into a hunting ground for our children,” he said.

The cybersecurity quiz competition was organised among selected Senior High Schools in Central Region to promote digital safety awareness among students.

In the boys’ category Adisadel College emerged winners with 36 points followed by St. Augustine’s College with 33 points, while Mfantsipim School placed third with 30 points.

In the girls’ category Mfantsiman Girls’ Senior High School won the competition with 39 points ahead of Holy Child School with 32 points, while Wesley Girls’ Senior High School secured 26 points.

Mr. Agbeti encouraged students to report suspicious online activities and reminded them that the Cyber Security Authority’s support line 292 remains available 24 hours a day.

As part of the celebration, the CSA visited 15 Senior High Schools in Central Region, sensitising about 40,000 students and teachers on best practices to stay safe online. The CSA team also reached out to the public through selected media engagements wherein they discussed online safety issues in the local language.

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