Ghana develops policy framework to counter terrorism – Antwi-Boasiako

The Head of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, has revealed the Ministry of National Security has developed a policy framework to fortify Ghana’s efforts to counter terrorism.

According to him, the framework dubbed; “National Framework for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism in Ghana” aims to prevent a spillover of terrorism to address transnational organised crime in border areas.

Speaking in a video call with GhanaWeb on June 16, 2020, Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako said; “I must indicate that the Ministry of National Security has actually come out with a framework to counter terrorism in the country and with the recent appointment of Ghana as a member of the Independent Advisory Committee (IAC) of the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT), it gives us leverage in terms of building and expanding our cybersecurity efforts, collaborations and dialogue.”

Dr Antwi-Boasiako added, the framework will thus facilitate domestic, regional, and international level for direct engagement for lower and possible criminal actions that will strengthen Ghana’s response to counter terrorism.

The Head of the NCSC assured of his outfit resolve to work towards allaying any possible infractions in the domestic cyberspace while focusing on individual rights and liberties of the citizens.

Minister for Communications, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, in February 2020 said government was in the process of passing a comprehensive Cybersecurity Law which aims to regulate the ethical use of the internet and protect the safety of Ghanaians online.

The comprehensive Cybersecurity Law is projected to be in place by the end of this year.

Meanwhile, Ghana has recently been appointed as a member of the Independent Advisory Committee (IAC) of the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT).

The selection is due to Ghana’s political commitment and human right-centric approach to developing its cybersecurity space as well as its active engagement at the regional and international level to promote responsible use of the internet.