In a pointed statement shared via his official X account, Hon. Sam George, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, addressed public concerns surrounding the certification of cybersecurity professionals in Ghana. Drawing parallels to established professions such as medicine, law, and engineering, he argued that requiring certification is not only standard practice—it’s essential.

“People pay some of the highest fees to become Doctors, Engineers, Accountants and Lawyers. Then they must subject themselves to a professional association for certification which is renewed before they can practice. How different is this?” he wrote.

Hon. George referenced Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), which mandates that Cybersecurity Professionals (CPs), Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs), and Cybersecurity Establishments (CEs) must be licensed or accredited by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA). The law, passed in 2020, aims to regulate cybersecurity activities and ensure compliance with industry best practices.

The CSA has recently reiterated its enforcement of this mandate, warning that individuals operating without proper accreditation are in breach of the law and risk penalties. The move is part of a broader effort to professionalize the cybersecurity sector and protect Ghana’s digital infrastructure.

Hon. George’s remarks come amid growing debate over the cost and accessibility of certification. However, his stance is clear: cybersecurity, like any critical profession, must be held to rigorous standards to ensure public trust and national security.

As Ghana continues to digitize its economy and expand its tech ecosystem, the emphasis on professional accountability in cybersecurity is expected to grow. The CSA’s licensing and accreditation framework is now fully operational, with deadlines for compliance already in effect.