James Gunu urges public sector workers to safeguard official data

The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, has urged public sector employees to take personal responsibility for the protection of official information to prevent data breaches and unauthorized access. Speaking at the 5th Cyber Secure Volta Regional Conference held in Ho on October 23, the Minister emphasized that the integrity of government data is non-negotiable. The event, supported by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) and the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), served as a critical platform to address the growing threats posed by cybercrime in Ghana’s digital landscape.

Mr. Gunu highlighted that while technological advancement offers significant benefits for administrative efficiency, it also exposes the public sector to sophisticated risks, including cyber fraud and identity theft. He warned that the mishandling of sensitive documents could have dire consequences for national security and public trust. According to the Minister, the responsibility for maintaining a secure digital environment does not rest solely with technical teams but is a collective duty for every individual working within the public service.

Adding to the discourse, Dr. Divine Selase Agbeti, Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority, stressed the necessity of integrating cybersecurity awareness into the daily routines of all citizens. He urged community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious digital activities to the appropriate authorities. Dr. Agbeti noted that proactive engagement is essential to staying ahead of cybercriminals who continuously exploit human vulnerabilities to gain access to protected systems.

The conference also saw a commitment from academia to support national security efforts. Professor Lydia Aziato, Vice Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, pledged her institution's collaboration with the CSA to combat cybercrime through research and training. The event concluded with a call for stronger institutional frameworks and continuous professional development, ensuring that public sector workers are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the digital age.