Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has extended the deadline for licensing and accrediting cybersecurity service providers (CSPs), cybersecurity professionals (CPs), and cybersecurity establishments (CEs) 30th September, to 31st December, 2023.
The new deadline grants the targeted entities who have yet to meet the CSA’s policy, additional time to complete the licensing and accreditation processes.
In an official statement, the CSA conveyed its commitment to creating a collaborative and vibrant ecosystem conducive to the growth of Ghana’s cybersecurity sector. The extended deadline aligns with this approach, allowing those who have not initiated the licensing and accreditation procedures to do so in line with the regulatory framework.
The CSA has received a total of 907 license and accreditation requests since the licencing process began in March this year. These requests comprise 134 institutions registering for licenses as cybersecurity service providers, 41 seeking accreditation as cybersecurity establishments, and 732 applying to become accredited cybersecurity professionals. This substantial response indicates a strong interest in regulatory compliance within the sector.
The licensing and accreditation process is part of the CSA’s mandate to enhance cybersecurity standards and introduce order to the industry. The regulatory framework is designed to ensure that licensed and accredited entities are empowered to engage in legitimate business activities, as outlined in Sections 57 and 58 of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038).
Speaking at the launch of the National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) 2023 in Accra, Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, the Director-General of CSA, cited the number of applications received as a reason for extending the deadline. The surge in applications surpassed the Authority’s initial estimates, indicating a high chance of more applicants coming forward.
Dr. Antwi-Boasiako stated, “This number will certainly increase, and hence I am already making a case for the board to allow an extension of the deadline for further engagement. This is the first time we are doing this, and I do believe once we intensify engagements, we can achieve even better results.”
Ghana’s participation in the Cybersecurity Awareness Month initiative aligns it with several other countries worldwide, including Canada, South Africa, the UK, Australia, the UAE, Germany, and France. This collaborative approach to cybersecurity regulation and awareness reflects a global commitment to safeguarding digital ecosystems.
