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An ultra-modern cybersecurity and forensic laboratory was inaugurated at Sunyani Technical University (STU) in the Bono region to train people, especially young people, in the proper application of software and technology, and to help protect against related cybercrimes.
Following the establishment of the laboratory, STU would now offer training for security personnel, bankers and others interested in the development and maintenance of local and offshore software, computer hardware, systems assembly, repair and maintenance skills.
Additionally, the newly opened lab would offer cybercrime forensic investigation, IT auditing and assurance, cybersecurity engineering, security operations, forensic accounting, and adobe training.
Cape Coast Technical University and Bolgatanga Technical University are also recipients of similar laboratories, all built at a total cost of £50,000 with funding from the Royal Academy of Engineering, UK; the AED Cyber Security Limited and the Institute for Cyber Security and Information Assurance (CYBER SECURITY-GHANA).
Speaking at the facility’s inauguration, Sunyani Technical University Vice Chancellor Prof. Ing. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah explained that the laboratory would provide an opportunity for the general public to fully participate in the information age and enjoy the Sociocultural and economic benefits of the emerging information revolution.
ICT for Dev’t
The goal of establishing the cybersecurity and forensic laboratory, explained Professor Adinkrah-Appiah, was to provide training to people, especially young people, from industry, security services, the banking sector and the entire Ghanaian business to they could apply the appropriate software. , technology, knowledge and skills.
Professor Adinkrah-Appiah referred to Ghana’s Integrated ICT for Accelerated Development (ICT4AD) policy, which he said reflected the nation’s commitment to transforming Ghana into an information-rich and knowledge-based society.
Professor Adinkrah-Appiah observed that the problem of cybercrime, including identity theft, was increasing in the country in recent times and highlighted the government’s determination to bring it under control.
However, he noted that the ICT industry in Ghana continued to face great challenges due to underdevelopment, especially in software development and repair, software applications, problem solving, cybersecurity and application of artificial intelligence that did not meet international standards. acceptable.
The Vice Chancellor expressed his appreciation to the funding organizations for the support and said that the laboratory would equip students with the necessary theoretical and practical skills, critical thinking and business skills in the fields of cybersecurity and forensic technologies, data science and intelligence. artificial.
Mr. David Dayor, Deputy Project Manager, Security Engineering, CyberGhana, a non-profit organization, indicated that “several universities are knocking on our doors, but unfortunately only some of them will have this opportunity due to limited resources.”
“Therefore, we urge all beneficiaries to work harder to implement measures to sustain this project towards the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he added.
Dr. Jones Lewis Arthur, Senior Lecturer and Dean of the STU’s College of Applied Science and Technology, noted that the nation loses millions of dollars annually to cyberspace-related criminal activities, noting that the country lost 6.8 million $ 2.7 million for fraud and $ 2.7 million for intrusion and theft in 2019.
Cybercrime, he added, accounted for 47% of the 192 cases reported in the country last year, and he expressed gratitude to financial partners for their contribution to help stop cybercrime and fraud in the country.
