The Africa Centre for Digital Transformation (ACDT) has issued a warning regarding potential cyber threats to Ghana’s upcoming December 7 elections, urging immediate action to safeguard the electoral process.
In a press statement, the ACDT highlighted the increasing risk of cyber-attacks as digital systems play a larger role in Ghanaian society, particularly in electoral processes. Emphasizing the national significance of addressing these threats, the organization underscored the importance of ensuring the integrity and security of the forthcoming elections.
The ACDT’s concerns stem from a series of cyber incidents that have affected elections across West Africa in recent years. For instance, during the 2015 and 2019 elections in Nigeria, cyber-attacks targeted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), aiming to breach databases and disseminate misinformation. Despite some compromises, INEC maintained that these attacks did not impact the overall election outcomes.
Similarly, in 2018, cyber-attacks on Sierra Leone’s National Electoral Commission (NEC) sought to disrupt the electoral process and manipulate public perception. The government responded by bolstering cybersecurity measures to safeguard the election.
The ACDT also referenced incidents from Ghana’s own electoral history, noting that the Electoral Commission’s website experienced attacks during the 2016 elections, leading to temporary shutdowns. In preparation for the 2020 elections, numerous cyber threats prompted heightened cybersecurity efforts by the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Cybersecurity Authority.
To mitigate these risks, the ACDT recommends enhancing cybersecurity infrastructure through regular security audits and penetration testing.
It advocates for capacity building and training programs for electoral officials and IT personnel in cybersecurity best practices, alongside public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on identifying and avoiding misinformation while promoting digital literacy.
Furthermore, the ACDT calls for the development of incident response plans with regular updates to promptly address and mitigate any cyber incidents. Kwesi Atuahene, Executive Director of ACDT, stressed the critical role of cybersecurity in ensuring a secure, transparent, and credible electoral process.
“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.