Africa Centre for Digital Transformation (ACDT) has issued a warning about potential cyber threats to Ghana’s upcoming December 7 elections, urging stakeholders to take immediate steps to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
In a press release, the ACDT highlighted the increasing risk of cyber-attacks in Ghana, especially as digital systems play a crucial role in various aspects of Ghanaian society, including elections.
ACDT urged the government to develop and regularly update incident response plans to swiftly address and mitigate any cyber incidents that may arise.
Executive Director Kwesi Atuahene emphasized the critical role of cybersecurity in ensuring a secure, transparent, and credible electoral process in Ghana.
“As we approach the 2024 elections, we must be prepared to counter cyber threats and protect the integrity of our electoral systems,” Mr. Atuahene said.
Emphasizing the national significance of addressing these threats, the organization stressed the importance of securing the electoral process.
The ACDT’s concerns are underscored by previous cyber incidents during elections in West Africa.
In Nigeria’s 2015 and 2019 elections, cyber-attacks targeted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), attempting to breach databases and spread misinformation.
Despite some compromises, INEC maintained that these incidents did not affect the overall election outcomes.
Similarly, in Sierra Leone’s 2018 elections, cyber-attacks on the National Electoral Commission (NEC) aimed to disrupt voting processes and manipulate public opinion, prompting enhanced cybersecurity measures by the government to safeguard the electoral process.
Referencing Ghana’s own electoral experiences, the ACDT noted incidents such as the 2016 cyber-attack on the Electoral Commission’s website, causing temporary disruptions.
The ACDT is committed to supporting the Ghanaian government, the Electoral Commission, and all stakeholders in this effort, urging them to prioritize cybersecurity and work collaboratively to protect Ghana’s democracy from cyber threats.