Ghana’s mining, oil and gas companies have been urged to strengthen their cybersecurity systems as increasing digitalisation exposes critical operations to new forms of cyber and technology-related risks.
The call was made during the second edition of e-Crime Bureau’s Founder’s Opera Soirée, held at the company’s East Legon office in Accra on Friday, September 25, 2026.
The event, held under the theme “Managing Cyber and Related Risks in the Extractive Sector”, brought together senior executives and industry professionals to examine the growing cybersecurity challenges facing the extractive industries.
Discussions focused on the risks created by the increasing integration of digital networks, industrial equipment and physical infrastructure. Among the concerns raised were cyberattacks, artificial intelligence misuse, insider threats, industrial espionage, supply-chain vulnerabilities and breaches that could potentially result in physical damage.
A panel discussion moderated by Presidential Staffer and media personality Bridget Otoo examined measures needed to safeguard critical data and systems within the extractive sector.
The session also addressed leadership responsibility, crisis response, organisational resilience and the need to develop specialised cybersecurity skills to deal with emerging threats.
Participants stressed that cybersecurity should not be treated as the sole responsibility of information technology departments. Instead, they called for collaboration among senior executives, operational teams, human resources departments, security personnel and external contractors.
They noted that as mining, oil and gas companies continue to adopt advanced digital technologies, organisations must assess the potential impact of cyber incidents not only on their computer networks but also on physical operations, safety and business continuity.
The soirée was hosted by e-Crime Bureau Founder and Executive Chairman, Dr Albert Antwi-Boasiako. He explained that incorporating Italian opera into the event was intended to give business leaders an opportunity to strengthen professional relationships in a setting different from traditional corporate engagements.
Italy’s Ambassador to Ghana and Togo, Laura Ranalli, was also present at the event. According to the organisers, she praised Dr Antwi-Boasiako for his contributions to cybersecurity in Africa as well as efforts to strengthen Ghana-Italy relations.
The gathering further highlighted potential areas of collaboration in cybersecurity, digital transformation and cultural exchange.
Founded in 2011, e-Crime Bureau offers cybersecurity consulting, digital forensics, investigations, training and technology-related services.
By: Prince Martey-Sogar.