Ursula honoured as exemplary leader at Cybersecurity Awards Night

Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Ghana’s Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, has been honoured at this year's Cybersecurity Awards Night for her exemplary leadership and outstanding contributions to cybersecurity and digital transformation in the country.

The award, which was presented to her by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was held at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel.

The award recognized her leadership in championing robust cybersecurity frameworks, raising awareness about digital safety, and driving initiatives that enhance online security for individuals and businesses across the country.

Under her guidance, Ghana has made significant strides in cybersecurity, including the development of the Cybersecurity Act, which provides a comprehensive framework for protecting digital infrastructure. Her efforts have been pivotal in positioning Ghana as a regional leader in cybersecurity, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to safe, secure, and resilient digital spaces.

In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful reaffirmed her dedication to advancing digital security and fostering a culture of safety in Ghana’s online landscape, adding that President Akufo-Addo’s support, interest, and commitment have been instrumental in the accomplishments Ghana celebrates today.

“Under your leadership, Ghana’s cybersecurity development has undergone tremendous improvement. In 2017, the National Cybersecurity Secretariat was established, which later transitioned into the National Cyber Security Centre in 2018, and eventually evolved into the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) in 2021, following the enactment of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) as the regulatory body on cybersecurity matters. This transition has been marked by the recognition of Ghana as an important player in global cybersecurity efforts. The International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) in 2017 and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMM) in 2018 confirmed that Ghana was in its formative years and highlighted the need for major improvements in our cyber defenses.”

She added, “To consolidate the gains we have made, the revised National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy prioritizes strategic investments and initiatives in cybersecurity; the development of an early warning mechanism for effective incident response; the protection of Critical Information Infrastructure; the promotion of cybersecurity research; and the adoption of a multi-dimensional approach to cybersecurity development. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and our gathering here today is to appreciate the key individuals from across the ecosystem who have contributed to Ghana's cybersecurity journey, with the government serving as a key enabler in its development.”

Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful is the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation for the Republic of Ghana and a three-term Member of Parliament for the Ablekuma West constituency.

As the Minister of Communications, she has oversight of the government’s infrastructure programme for the ICT sector, the development of a robust framework to support the digitalisation of the economy, and the scaling up of e-government services with a national broadband and total connectivity for the unserved and underserved at the heart of the agenda.

She is passionate about supporting the local tech startup ecosystem, nurturing the development of indigenous technology, and encouraging women, children, and persons with disabilities to engage in ICT.

In October 1990, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful was called to the Ghana Bar. She then served for 10 years as an associate at Akufo-Addo, Prempeh & Co., Legal Practitioners, and Notaries Public. From September 2005 to May 2008, she took on the role of Acting Managing Director at Western Telesystems (Westel). Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful, from May 2008 to January 2009, served as the Corporate and External Affairs Director at ZAIN Ghana.

She holds a certificate in Government Integrity from the International Law Institute, Washington DC, a Project Management and Planning Certificate from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, and a Master's in Conflict, Peace, and Security from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre. She is a lawyer, women's rights activist, technology advocate, and a product of the University of Ghana and the Ghana School of Law.

Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful is a member of the Ghana Bar Association, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA). She is also the development Queen (Nkosuo Hemaa) of Akyem Asuom in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

She received the ‘CRANS MONTANA FORUM’ GOLD MEDAL at its 30th anniversary forum held in Geneva, Switzerland. She joined the late former President of Ghana, Jerry John Rawlings, and former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, as the only Ghanaians to have received the coveted award.

She has also been awarded by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), a non-profit organization of women lawyers, for her tremendous work in the protection of the rights of women and children, as well as recognition for her exceptional commitment and participation as a valuable partner in ITU Telecom World.