National Cybersecurity Challenge: Ghana’s future depends on youth digital skills – Dr. Apaak

Deputy Education Minister, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has said Ghana’s digital future will depend on how well young people are prepared to navigate and innovate within the country’s digital space.

Speaking at the Champion of Champions edition of the National Cybersecurity Challenge held at the University of Ghana, Legon, Dr. Apaak described cybersecurity education as essential to national progress, saying, “our national future is being written in code.”

He said the Ministry of Education is determined to ensure that digital literacy becomes an integral part of Ghana’s education system at the basic level.

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

The deputy minister noted that the Ministry is working to create structured pathways to help students develop cybersecurity expertise and career 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 young people apply what they learn not only for examinations but also for innovation, employment, and national security.”

Dr. Apaak said events like the National Cybersecurity Challenge prove that Ghana’s youth possess the potential to shape the country’s technological future.

“You aren’t just competing in a challenge; you are rehearsing for the essential work of defending our nation’s digital frontiers,” he told participants.

He urged industry players and academia to partner with the government in expanding access to practical learning opportunities for students.

“We need the partnership of industry and academia to complete this ecosystem,” he said. “We invite our partners to support us by offering internships, mentorship programmes, and real-world experiences that allow students to test their skills.”

Dr. Apaak also commended the Cyber Security Authority and the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations for sustaining the competition, emphasizing that education and innovation remain critical to building a secure digital future for Ghana.