By Seli Baisie
Journalists and media practitioners in Accra have begun specialised training in cybercrime reporting as part of efforts to strengthen public awareness of online threats and improve the quality of reporting on cybersecurity.
The training follows the launch of the National Community Media Cyber Capability Building Project (NCMCCBP) at the National Communications Authority (NCA) Tower in Accra on Monday, August 3, 2026.
The initiative is being implemented by the Africa Center for Digital Transformation (ACDT) in partnership with the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), with support from the Embassy of the Czech Republic under the Czech Republic’s Transformation Cooperation Programme.
More than 60 media organisations are participating in the first phase of the programme in Accra. The training will continue throughout August before expanding to Kumasi in September.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, Deputy Minister Mohammed Adams Sukparu said cybersecurity had become a national priority as cyber threats continued to evolve.
He warned that online fraud was affecting people from all walks of life, including senior public officials.
According to him, cybercriminals no longer target only ordinary citizens, making the need for public education more urgent than ever.
The training is expected to equip journalists with practical skills to report accurately on cybercrime, online fraud, misinformation, digital safety, child online protection and emerging cyber threats.
Speaking at the launch, ACDT Board Representative Emmanuel Agyare said the media remains one of the country’s strongest tools for educating citizens, particularly those in rural communities.
He noted that while many Ghanaians rely on radio stations and local media for information, many journalists have had limited opportunities to receive formal training in cybersecurity reporting.
“No nation can win the fight against cybercrime without informing and educating the public,” he said.
He warned that poorly informed reporting could unintentionally spread panic or misinformation during cyber incidents.
“An uninformed media may unintentionally sensationalise cyber incidents instead of educating the public. It may spread inaccurate information during emergencies and create unnecessary panic while eroding public confidence,” Mr Agyare said.
He explained that the project would strengthen collaboration between journalists, the Cyber Security Authority, National Security and other law enforcement agencies.
The training covers four key areas, including cybersecurity fundamentals, reporting on online fraud and cyber threats, digital forensics for journalists, and media ethics, cybersecurity law and child online protection.
Participants will also receive training on responsible reporting of sextortion and other forms of online exploitation.
Mr Agyare announced that participants would be required to complete practical assignments by producing either a news story, feature article or mini documentary before receiving certification.
Those who successfully complete the programme will be inducted into the Cyber Security Press Corps, a national network of journalists specialising in cybersecurity reporting.
Training sessions began immediately after the launch ceremony and will run weekly until the end of August.
Organisers say the programme is expected to help improve cybersecurity awareness among citizens by ensuring journalists produce accurate, practical and responsible reporting on digital threats.
Related
Click Here For The Original Source.
