Dr. Richmond Atuahene, a Banking Consultant at Salma Partners and Financial Consult Limited, has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of security measures protecting government-acquired data through the Ghana Card.
Speaking on ABC IN THE MORNING on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, Atuahene questioned whether the Ghanaian government and service companies are sufficiently equipped to safeguard sensitive information, warning that lapses could endanger citizens.
Atuahene highlighted the urgency of addressing security issues by referencing recent cyber incidents, including a major hack in the UK that disrupted transportation and healthcare systems.
He expressed skepticism about the robustness of current protective measures, asking, “How secured is the data?”
“What wall system have they built around it so people cannot penetrate?”
He stressed the need for a broader approach to data security that encompasses banking, public awareness, and comprehensive protection measures.
The consultant also criticized the recent SIM-card re-registration initiative linked to the Ghana Card, emphasizing that individuals are left to handle losses from SIM fraud independently.
He cautioned that, “We might one day wake up and find that someone has hacked the whole telephone system or the National Identity Card.”
Atuahene urged the Ghana Cyber Security Authority to employ international experts to assess the security of national data systems thoroughly.
Additionally, Atuahene addressed the troubling rise in fraud cases among bank workers, which has surged by 46% according to a Bank of Ghana report.
He noted that this increase undermines public confidence in the financial sector and could deter people from utilizing banking services.
He called for heightened vigilance and improved security practices within banks to restore trust and protect confidential data.
