Internet Society Ghana (ISOC Ghana) has launched a national online safety outreach in the Ashanti Region. This initiative targets 22 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. The campaign aims to equip students, teachers, and community members with practical skills for safe digital navigation.
The outreach, themed “Building Digital Trust, Safety and Resilience for Everyone,” addresses critical issues like phishing, online fraud, cyberbullying, and data privacy. The first phase commenced at Kumasi Technical Institute. It focuses on protecting personal information and fostering responsible internet use among young people and vulnerable groups. This program is crucial given the increasing reliance on digital tools for learning and entrepreneurship.
This campaign fits into Ghana’s broader effort to enhance digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness. The nation is experiencing rapid digital transformation, making online safety education vital for economic participation and personal security. Previous reports have highlighted the rising incidence of cybercrime, underscoring the urgency of such initiatives. The partnership with the Ghana TVET Service (GTVETS) integrates online safety into educational curricula, ensuring a sustained impact.
Maud Adjeley Ashong-Elliott, President of ISOC Ghana, stated that starting with TVET institutions was a deliberate choice. She explained that technical students are highly active digital users. “If we don’t equip them with digital safety skills now, they will be the most vulnerable to online fraud and misinformation,” she warned. She also expressed concern about social media addiction among Ghanaian youth, noting its mixed effects on learning, business, and exposure to harmful content.
The implications of this outreach are significant for Ghana’s digital future. By empowering young people with digital resilience, the campaign aims to reduce vulnerability to cyber threats and promote positive online engagement. Decision-makers will observe the effectiveness of this model for potential nationwide replication. The initiative also highlights the shared responsibility of parents, educators, and institutions in fostering a safe digital environment.
Engr. Richard Addo-Gyamfi, Ashanti Regional Director of the Ghana TVET Service, commended ISOC Ghana for the timely initiative. He noted that while the digital space offers numerous opportunities, it also presents challenges. He confirmed that GTVETS has integrated online safety education into its orientation programs for TVET students. This partnership will help build a generation of TVET graduates who are not only skilled but also digitally responsible.
The campaign will extend beyond lectures, incorporating interactive workshops, digital literacy training, and peer-to-peer education. It plans to reach 3,600 direct beneficiaries through 11 events across the country. The program also seeks to train 40 TVET champions, 20 university ambassadors, and 20 inclusive safety champions. These individuals will form a network of student digital safety leaders, promoting online safety in their schools and communities. This comprehensive approach aims to create a lasting culture of online safety across Ghana.