The Africa Centre for Digital Transformation (ACDT) has sounded the alarm on potential cyber threats to Ghana’s December 7 elections, calling on stakeholders to take immediate action to safeguard the electoral process.
In a press statement, the ACDT highlighted the growing risk of cyber-attacks as digital systems become increasingly integral to Ghanaian society, including its electoral processes. The organization emphasized the national importance of addressing these threats to ensure the integrity and security of the upcoming elections.
The ACDT’s concerns are based on a series of cyber incidents that have affected elections in West Africa in recent years, including attacks on Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2015 and 2019, Sierra Leone’s National Electoral Commission (NEC) in 2018, and Ghana’s Electoral Commission in 2016.
To mitigate these risks, the ACDT recommends strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure, capacity building, and public awareness campaigns. The organization also urges the development of incident response plans and regular updates to address and mitigate any cyber incidents promptly.
“The integrity of our electoral systems is at risk, and we must be prepared to counter cyber threats,” said Kwesi Atuahene, Executive Director of ACDT. “We are committed to supporting the Ghanaian government, the Electoral Commission, and all stakeholders in this effort to protect Ghana’s democracy from cyber threats.”
The ACDT’s warning comes as Ghana prepares for its December 7 elections, and the organization is urging stakeholders to prioritize cybersecurity and work collaboratively to ensure a secure, transparent, and credible electoral process.
