GISF Donates Laptops, Online Safety Resources, and Branded T-Shirts to Support National Cybersecurity Challenge 2024

In a significant boost to this year’s National Cybersecurity Challenge 2024 and the upcoming National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation (GISF) has donated laptops, online safety resources, and branded t-shirts to participants. The event, organized by the Cybersecurity Authority of Ghana (CSA), is an annual program aimed at promoting digital literacy, cyber hygiene, and empowering youth to navigate the digital world safely. The challenge is further supported by UNICEF Ghana, underscoring a collective national effort to build a cyber-secure future for the country’s youth.

The donation, made by Mr. Gabriel Ofori Appiah, Country Manager and Director of Outreach and Awareness at GISF, was received by key management members of the Cybersecurity Authority during an official ceremony held at the CSA Headquarters in Accra. These items will also support the activities planned for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which focuses on creating widespread awareness of online safety issues across the nation.

“At GISF, we believe that education is key to safeguarding our youth from the growing dangers of cyberbullying, online scams, and exploitation. The laptops and online safety resources we have provided will support the participants in their research and cyber literacy journey. Our branded t-shirts symbolize a shared mission—to create a safer and more secure digital environment for all,” said Mr. Appiah during the ceremony.

Emmanuel Adinkra, President and Chief Information Security Officer of GISF, also addressed the audience, reiterating the foundation’s focus on protecting children from online harms, including the spread of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). He urged for a unified approach to tackling these challenges.

“The fight against child online harms and the proliferation of CSAM must be a collective fight involving governments, private organizations, and civil society. We must all take responsibility to ensure that children have a safe and secure digital space to explore, learn, and grow,” Mr. Adinkra emphasized.

The management team of the Cybersecurity Authority expressed their continuous appreciation for the contribution from GISF, noting that it is a significant step in building stronger cybersecurity infrastructure. They further called for deepened collaboration between GISF and the CSA in the fight to promote online safety and protect vulnerable populations, particularly during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

The National Cybersecurity Challenge 2024 will engage students and young professionals from across the country in various competitions and workshops that focus on practical cybersecurity solutions, digital safety awareness, and innovation in the online safety space.

The National Cybersecurity Challenge 2024 promises to be a transformative platform for nurturing Ghana’s future cyber defenders and advocates of online safety, with GISF’s contribution playing a key role in shaping its success.

For more information on the outcomes of the event and future initiatives, please contact Gabriel Ofori Appiah at +233 55 000 6737 or goforiappiah@gisfoundation.com