Potential cyber threats loom over Ghana's December polls — Africa Center for Digital Transformation warns

Africa Center for Digital Transformation (ACDT) warns of potential cyber attacks that could disrupt Ghana's general elections set for December 7.

In a statement dated July 2, ACDT said Ghana is barely 5 months away from electing a new president and members of parliament, but public attention has focused more on ensuring a peaceful and fair vote rather than improving cyber defenses.

"Whilst the public attention has been on ensuring a peaceful, free and fair election, improving the cyber defense readiness and raising cyber vigilance in countering cyber threats, both directly and indirectly, will be a strong force multiplier for the public and private sector, election stakeholders, and the general public," said ACDT in the statement.

The center noted that cyber attacks during elections have been a growing concern in West Africa, citing incidents reported in Nigeria's 2015 and 2019 polls.

"During these elections, there were reports of cyber attacks aimed at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“The attacks included attempts to hack into the commission's database and spread disinformation online," the statement continued.

ACDT acknowledged that the risk of cyberattack requires "urgent attention and comprehensive strategies" given Ghana's advanced digital landscape.