Staff of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) have received crucial cybersecurity training as part of a capacity-building initiative led by the Cybersecurity Authority (CSA). The session, held at the Corporationโs head office, was facilitated by Mrs. Mary Ama Bawa, a seasoned cybersecurity expert and representative of the CSA.
The training, themed โCyber Security Threats and best practicesโ focused on equipping PHDC staff with practical knowledge and tools to identify, prevent, and respond to cybersecurity threats within the context of Ghanaโs growing digital economy.
Mrs. Bawa emphasized the critical importance of cybersecurity in public sector institutions, particularly those in the energy and infrastructure sectors. โCyberattacks are no longer just IT issues they are national security threats. Itโs essential that every member of your organization understands their role in keeping the digital environment secure,โ she stated.The interactive session covered key topics such as:
โข Data protection and the legal implications of breaches under Ghanaโs Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038)
โข Safe internet and email usage in the workplace
โข Incident reporting procedures and response protocols
โข Recognizing phishing attempts and social engineering attacks
โข Best practices for password management
Participants had the opportunity to engage in scenario-based learning exercises, testing their awareness and decision-making in potential real-world cyber incidents. The training also introduced staff to CSAโs national cybersecurity framework and available support services for public institutions.
PHDCโs Head of general Services Mrs. Adwoa Osaebea Oduro-Konadu, described the training as timely and invaluable. โAs a corporation working toward building Ghanaโs first petroleum hub, the integrity of our data and digital systems is paramount. This training strengthens our collective vigilance and prepares us to act decisively against threats.โ
Other members of the Corporationโs management noted that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and praised the CSA for its ongoing partnership. โWe are committed to embedding a culture of cybersecurity awareness throughout PHDC. This session is part of a broader strategy to protect our digital assets as we advance our mandate.โ
The training which was also facilitated by Kwaku Manu Sarpong and Eric Kafui Bansah from the CSA concluded with a call to action for all staff to serve as cybersecurity ambassadors both within and outside the organization.
PHDC plans to institutionalize regular cybersecurity awareness programs and work closely with the CSA to ensure compliance with national standards and international best practices.
