Genius IT Foundation Organizes Cyber Security Awareness Conference in Ho

Desmond Kitsi, Executive Director of Genius IT Foundation (left) and Dr. Yaw Archibald Letsa, the Volta Regional Minister

By Desmond Tinana

Genius IT Foundation, a leading IT organization promoting STEM education and digital inclusiveness in the Volta Region of Ghana, has organized a Cyber Security Awareness Conference in Ho, the Volta Regional Capital, in collaboration with National Cyber Security as part of Cyber Security Awareness Month celebrated in October of every year to educate people on cyber security.

A recent report by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies reveals that at least 39 African countries have faced targeted disinformation campaigns, threatening to disrupt democratic processes across the continent.

This year’s National Cyber Security Awareness Month, therefore, focuses on a critical challenge facing democracies worldwide: the spread of misinformation and disinformation; with democracies increasingly vulnerable to digital information manipulation, the stakes are higher than ever.

In response to these challenges, Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA), in consultation with key stakeholders, is leading the annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month under the theme “Combating Misinformation/Disinformation in a Digital Resilient Democracy – Our Collective Responsibility.” The theme emphasizes the importance of a proactive approach in raising awareness, enhancing citizens’ ability to detect, prevent, and mitigate false information, and protecting the integrity of the upcoming general election to safeguard national security.

Speaking at the event the Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yaw Archibald warned perpetrators of disinformation and misinformation that sharing false information is illegal and punishable by law under Section 281 of the Criminal Code and Section 76 of the Electronic Communications Act.

Dr Letsa emphasized the dual nature of the Internet as both a knowledge-sharing platform and a breeding ground for deception. “The cyberspace in Ghana has become a fertile ground for promoting economic and political interests,” he said

Citing a study from the University of Oxford, Dr. Letsa revealed that “70% of online misinformation was spread by just 10% of social media accounts.” linking this proliferation of falsehoods to severe consequences, particularly during election cycles, stating, “94% of disinformation attacks between 2016 and 2021 targeted election management bodies.”

Defining misinformation as false information spread without malicious intent, while disinformation is deliberately deceptive, the minister remarked that, “Both pose significant threats, but disinformation is particularly insidious.”. He therefore urged digital users to be vigilant noting that as internet usage grows, so do the vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals.

According to Statistica, Ghana has 7.6 million actively engaging on social media platforms, making Ghana rank 15th globally in the daily time spent on social media, illustrating the extensive reach of these platforms. However, this same reach allows misinformation to spread rapidly, distorting public opinion and endangering democratic processes.

Addressing the audience, Dr. Letsa praised the Ghana Cyber Security Authority as well as the Genius IT Foundation for their efforts in creating a resilient digital environment. “I am proud of the tremendous progress made in safeguarding our digital landscape,” he said, also urging that governments and institutions must implement regulations to hold platforms accountable for the content they host.

He also called on individuals to be responsible in combating misinformation by having critical engagements with information sources and community awareness initiatives, reminding everyone that “combating misinformation is not just a responsibility of governments or tech companies, but of every one of us in Ghana, each of us has a role to play.”

Concluding his address, Dr. Letsa expressed optimism for a united front against misinformation. “Together, we can build a more resilient democracy,” he urged, highlighting the importance of continued discussions on cybersecurity. As the conference wrapped up, attendees were reminded of their shared responsibility in fostering a well-informed public, equipped to discern truth from falsehood in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

The Executive Director of Genius IT Foundation Desmond Kitsi in his remarks said “Cybersecurity is not just a concern for IT professionals—it is everyone’s responsibility as Cyber threats, disinformation, and data breaches pose significant risks to the stability of our digital infrastructure he therefore pledged the commitment of The Genius IT Foundation to ensuring that individuals and communities are protected in the digital space in today’s interconnected world.

In his words “we are actively involved in raising awareness about these risks and equipping communities with the knowledge to defend themselves. Through our training programs, we ensure that individuals understand the importance of strong cybersecurity practices, helping to create a digitally resilient society.”

He added that “the Genius IT Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding its initiatives across Ghana and beyond. In the Volta Region, our immediate plans include scaling up digital literacy programs, launching new projects that foster entrepreneurship, and continuing our advocacy for policies that promote equal access to technology for all. We are also excited about the growing partnerships that will allow us to reach even more communities, particularly in areas that are often underserved. As we look to the future, we see a world where technology serves as a powerful tool for inclusiveness and empowerment, enabling individuals from all walks of life to realize their potential.”