National Cybersecurity Challenge: Apaak urges early digital literacy to build Ghana’s cyber resilience

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has called for early integration of cybersecurity and digital literacy into Ghana’s school curriculum to strengthen national digital resilience.

Speaking at the Champion of Champions edition of the National Cybersecurity Challenge held at the University of Ghana, Legon, Dr. Apaak said Ghana’s future “is being written in code,” stressing that national security, economic progress, and personal privacy now hinge on digital competence and responsibility.

“Our national future is being written in code. The security of that future, the safety of our data, businesses, and critical infrastructure, depends on the vigilance, creativity, and ethical responsibility of people like you,” he said.

Dr. Apaak outlined three key priorities the Ministry of Education is pursuing to embed cybersecurity in Ghana’s learning system.

“We are committed to broadening access to digital literacy by embedding cybersecurity and digital citizenship into the national curriculum from the basic level,” he stated. “Every Ghanaian child must understand online safety, responsible technology use, and digital ethics.”

He also highlighted efforts to nurture young talent through structured opportunities.

“We are formalising a ladder of opportunity that moves students from classroom lessons to cybersecurity clubs, regional competitions, and national challenges,” he said. “This will help equip young people not just for exams, but for innovation, job creation, and national security.”

Calling for closer collaboration with the private sector and academia, Dr. Apaak urged stakeholders to provide mentorship and internship opportunities to help students apply their skills.

“We invite our partners to provide access to real-world experiences to enable our students to test their skills against real-life challenges,” he said.

Dr. Apaak commended the Cyber Security Authority and the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations for sustaining the competition, adding that

“Ghana’s digital future needs its champions—and standing here today, I am confident that the champions are ready.”