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During a period when cyber threats pose significant challenges to both global and local digital environments, CWG Ghana serves as a clear example of technological strength and creativity. Being a branch of a Pan-African tech company that has been active in Ghana for more than two decades, CWG Ghana has established a strong reputation as an essential participant in the country’s digital advancement process.Recently recognized as a Tier 1 cybersecurity provider by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), and having secured the highly sought-after ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, CWG Ghana is increasingly extending its presence beyond its usual areas of strength in banking and telecommunications into industries such as healthcare and manufacturing. The company aims to be listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) within the next three years, highlighting its dedication to enhancing its local influence.In this exclusive interview, Managing Director of CWG Ghana, Harriet YARTEY,explores the company’s development in reaction to new cyber threats, its contribution to cultivating technology expertise in Ghana via programs such as the CWG Academy, and its outlook for the future with theB&FT’s Ebenezer Chike Adjei NJOKU.Here, she demonstrates how, as the digital environment becomes more intricate, CWG Ghana’s method of reconciling innovation with safety provides important lessons regarding the challenges and possibilities influencing the country’s technology landscape.Overview of Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Games GhanaB&FT: CWG has been involved in the pan-African tech landscape for more than thirty years, maintaining a solid footprint across various nations. Could you provide us with a summary of CWG’s activities and services?CWG Ghana:Certainly. CWG Ghana is a division of a broader pan-African company, having been active in Ghana for over 20 years and in Nigeria for more than 30 years. We also have operations in Cameroon and Uganda, where we provide technology solutions across industries such as banking, telecommunications, healthcare, and others. Our offerings consist of digital transformation, cloud services, cybersecurity, and comprehensive training programs designed to cultivate talent that meets industry needs. Furthermore, we partner with top Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Finaco, CyberArk, and Clari5, enabling us to deliver specialized solutions, especially for financial institutions and large enterprises.Cybersecurity and complianceB&FT: Considering the fast-changing nature of digital dangers, how has Ghana’s cybersecurity environment managed to keep pace over the last 20 years?CWG Ghana:The field of cybersecurity has experienced significant progress. A major development has been the creation of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), which has introduced uniform regulatory standards and increased recognition of cybersecurity concerns. Each October, the CSA organizes Cybersecurity Awareness Month, focusing on educating the public and running campaigns on safe security practices. International trends, including phishing, hacking, and data leaks, have also affected Ghana. Now, individuals are more conscious of issues such as deceptive emails and unauthorized access to systems, which has driven the demand for more advanced security measures.B&FT: Under the strict regulatory requirements, how does CWG Ghana maintain its adherence?CWG Ghana:We are deeply dedicated to maintaining compliance and relevance. We possess ISO certifications, including our newly obtained ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, which marked a major achievement for us. This certification encompasses all aspects of our operations—from Sales and Finance to PMO/BA, Technical functions, Data Centers, and Disaster Recovery locations. What made this accomplishment especially significant was that our environment was already well-prepared, making the implementation process relatively smooth yet demanding. Our extensive experience in deploying and providing consulting services within the industry definitely played a role in this first-time certification journey. We are also finalizing our Information Security Management System (ISMS) and have several policies in place, such as ethics and anti-money laundering guidelines, to ensure we meet the expectations of our clients. In Ghana, RFPs (Request for Proposals) often contain strict regulatory requirements, and we must stay current to remain competitive. For us, compliance is more than just ticking a box—it is crucial for building trust and successfully competing in today’s market.B&FT: During a previous discussion, you indicated that CWG Ghana recently assisted a financial organization that was dealing with phishing attacks and data leaks. Could you share more details about your strategy for this initiative?CWG Ghana:Certainly. The organization was facing regular phishing attacks that damaged customer confidence and put regulatory compliance at risk. Our ISO/IEC 27001:2022 framework provided a structured approach to tackle this issue. The initial step involved a thorough cybersecurity evaluation to detect weaknesses—using our accredited risk assessment process. Considering budget limitations, we created a step-by-step implementation plan, balancing capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX). This strategy enabled the client to control costs while maintaining strong security. After obtaining ISO 27001:2022 certification, our incident response capabilities have greatly improved. We now have a clearly outlined Incident Response Plan that details specific actions for identifying, reporting, containing, investigating, and recovering from security incidents. These effective protocols helped the client set up 24/7 incident monitoring and escalation procedures, categorization of incidents based on severity, and root cause analysis methods. Our team also conducted employee training, helping staff identify phishing attempts. These efforts restored customer confidence, boosted regulatory compliance, and returned business operations to normal.B&FT: How does CWG Ghana tackle these trends and enhance cybersecurity consciousness?CWG Ghana:Our organization actively engages in national cybersecurity initiatives led by the CSA. We collaborate with certified vendors and offer security education programs. Furthermore, we have enhanced our workforce to ensure our team is capable of meeting the cybersecurity requirements of our clients. Our offerings focus on critical areas such as fraud control, privileged access management, and identity access management, catering to industries like banking, telecommunications, and healthcare, each with distinct needs that we seek to meet through customized solutions.B&FT: CWG Ghana has also been recently acknowledged as a Tier 1 cybersecurity provider by the CSA. What does this recognition imply for your company?CWG Ghana:This certification is important; it shows our compliance with high security standards. The CSA has strict criteria for vendors, and by meeting these, we have established trust and reliability among our clients. Our global and local partnerships and certifications actually helped in our CSA Tier 1 application—having an internationally recognized information security management system showed our dedication to global best practices along with local regulatory compliance. This dual certification strategy offers both local recognition and international trust. This certification also means that most organizations in Ghana must collaborate with licensed cybersecurity providers, which places CWG Ghana in a strong position. Customers in sectors such as telecommunications and banking have specifically asked for proof of our CSA certification before working with us, which has strengthened our reputation and increased our influence. The combination of our CSA Tier 1 status and ISO 27001:2022 certification serves as strong evidence of our extensive security capabilities.ExpansionB&FT: Besides areas such as banking and telecommunications, is CWG Ghana planning to extend its operations into other sectors?CWG Ghana:Certainly. We are currently focusing on the manufacturing and healthcare industries. Manufacturing, for instance, is becoming more reliant on data, and numerous companies are recognizing the significance of protecting this information. Employee awareness regarding cybersecurity in these fields is essential. Through broadening our offerings, we intend to assist these sectors in securing their data and adhering to optimal standards.The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine LearningB&FT: The field of technology is evolving quickly, particularly with the rise of AI and machine learning. How is CWG Ghana responding to these developments?CWG Ghana:We are dedicated to remaining at the cutting edge of technological advancements. We are continuously investing in fields such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning to address our clients’ changing requirements. For instance, we recently collaborated with a financial institution that needed an AI-powered system for improved data analysis. Our strategy involves more than just adopting new technologies; it also includes educating our workforce to ensure they can effectively assist our clients. Automation, in particular, has grown increasingly important in reducing risks and strengthening cybersecurity, especially within sectors prone to fraudulent activities.Skill advancement – CWG AcademyB&FT: Regarding the cultivation of talent, CWG Ghana is recognized for its training initiatives. Could you share more about these?CWG Ghana:At CWG Ghana, we focus on enhancing skills via our CWG Academy, where individuals can acquire IT expertise at reduced costs. The Academy has equipped more than 200 graduates with knowledge in fields such as system administration, data storage, and network security. Additionally, we collaborate with the University of Ghana, providing a laptop and a one-year internship opportunity to the top Computer Science graduate. Starting in 2025, we plan to extend this program to other universities. These efforts are integral to our dedication to nurturing technological talent in Ghana.B&FT: Within the company, how does CWG Ghana promote ongoing growth and creativity among its staff?CWG Ghana:We are dedicated to the development of our employees and fostering creativity. We promote the acquisition of new skills via multiple learning avenues, such as independent study, funded training programs, and sessions led by partners. Moreover, we maintain an “innovation hall” where emerging talents can test ideas, exchange thoughts, and develop fresh concepts. Our strategy enables staff to lead in finding solutions and cultivates a climate of innovation. This innovative environment is in perfect harmony with our ISO 27001:2022 commitment to ongoing enhancement. The standard mandates that we consistently evaluate and refine our information security management system, which inherently inspires our team to explore imaginative approaches to security and process enhancements. Given that technology is a constantly evolving domain, this culture of perpetual learning and innovation is essential for remaining competitive and up-to-date.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)B&FT: Could you provide more details about CWG Ghana’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives?CWG Ghana:Our corporate social responsibility efforts center around education and the enhancement of skills. Alongside our collaboration with the University of Ghana, we are currently exploring a partnership with an entity named Engine to offer six months of complimentary IT training to students. This collaboration would equip participants with the technological expertise necessary for career advancement or entrepreneurial ventures. We also actively strive to promote equal opportunities in STEM fields, ensuring that women and youth are adequately represented within our company.Innovation, gender equityB&FT: You have stated that CWG Ghana is “innovation-driven.” Could you explain how this approach is incorporated within the organization?CWG Ghana:Innovation lies at the core of our organizational values. We motivate each employee to share their thoughts and have support programs designed to develop these ideas. Staff members are granted the freedom to investigate and suggest approaches, promoting a way of thinking that extends beyond traditional methods. In our setting, team members aren’t simply provided with solutions—they are inspired to pose questions and discover their own answers. This method strengthens our team and ensures we remain flexible in a fast-changing technological world.B&FT: The dedication of CWG Ghana towards gender equality is commendable. In what ways does the company promote a welcoming atmosphere?CWG Ghana:Here, we guarantee equitable access and visibility for all. CWG Ghana assists both males and females in advancing their careers, with many women holding leadership roles. Our work environment features a broad range of age groups, from millennials to Gen Z, offering a setting where every individual can make their voice heard. Our objective is to establish a place where people feel motivated to speak up and present their thoughts, which we think enhances our company.B&FT: Following up on that, it seems your company has a significant number of women in leadership positions. How does this demonstrate the company’s commitment to gender equality?CWG Ghana:As recommended, we are strongly dedicated to achieving gender equality. In my personal experience, I have held a leadership position at CWG Ghana for more than ten years, and I am pleased to witness an increasing number of women taking on managerial roles. Currently, women lead departments such as project management and procurement—positions that were once predominantly held by men. This change reflects CWG Ghana’s commitment to fostering an inclusive atmosphere where all individuals have equal chances to succeed. The board and senior management actively endorse diversity, which has made a significant impact.Contribution to the economyB&FT: How would you characterize CWG Ghana’s impact on the Ghanaian economy?CWG Ghana:For many years, we have made a substantial contribution to Ghana’s economy. CWG Ghana has directly generated more than 100 jobs and supports numerous local businesses. In addition to providing employment opportunities, our investments in training and skill development programs help create a competent workforce, giving individuals the abilities that enhance the overall economy. Furthermore, our projects such as the previously mentioned CWG Academy and the collaboration with the University of Ghana focus on developing IT professionals, offering routes to either employment or starting a business.B&FT: What obstacles and possibilities do you perceive in Ghana’s cyber security sector?CWG Ghana:The technological environment in Ghana is changing quickly, bringing about new challenges and possibilities. While there is growing use of cloud services, stricter regulations, and rising cyber threats, there is also a notable lack of skilled workers, partly because many qualified individuals have left the country. This shortage poses a serious issue for the sector. In response, we have introduced an academy initiative aimed at equipping new graduates with crucial cybersecurity knowledge. We not only enhance their abilities but also assist them in linking up with companies that require these skills. This approach helps us bridge the talent gap and support the sustainability of the local workforce.B&FT: Which cybersecurity developments do you expect to influence the sector in the near future?CWG Ghana:Digital transformation remains a key factor that will keep influencing the industry. As digital services expand, there will be more vulnerabilities, leading to the evolution of cybersecurity threats. We expect progress in AI-driven security solutions and more complex cyberattacks. Another emerging trend is the hybrid work model, which gained popularity after the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it offers flexibility, it also brings new security challenges, as employees often operate outside secure settings. Our ISO/IEC 27001:2022 risk management framework enables us to stay ahead of these developing threats. We are already working on strategic security projects such as implementing Zero Trust Architecture, which strengthens security by verifying every access request, regardless of its source. We are also adopting security automation and orchestration tools to improve incident response and minimize manual errors. Data privacy and IoT (Internet of Things) security are expected to become increasingly important as digital adoption continues. CWG is getting ready for these developments by improving protocols that safeguard our clients’ environments, whether they are working in the office or remotely.B&FT: You spoke about CWG Ghana’s alliances with Original Equipment Manufacturers previously. How do these partnerships advantage your clients?CWG Ghana:Strategic alliances and cooperative efforts play a vital role in our business approach. Through partnerships with original equipment manufacturers such as Infosys, Clari5, and CyberArk, we are able to deliver top-notch solutions that address particular industry requirements. For example, we provide fraud detection services in collaboration with Clari5 and identity and access management through CyberArk. These kinds of partnerships enable us to add value for our clients while staying ahead in the market. Additionally, we work with infrastructure companies like HP and Dell to provide dependable backup and data storage options.B&FT: In what ways does CWG Ghana utilize collaborations and involvement with the local community to enhance its operations?CWG Ghana:Collaborations are essential to us, and we carefully choose our associates. Each collaboration embodies our principles, which is why we conduct detailed evaluations to confirm compatibility. We are also committed to involvement within the community. Contributing back is a core part of our philosophy; it’s how we show appreciation to the communities that help our development. This combined emphasis on strategic alliances and community support not only enhances our brand but also reinforces our standing in the industry.ESGB&FT: As environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards become more widespread in the business world, what steps is CWG Ghana taking to support sustainable practices?CWG Ghana:We are continuously striving to lower our environmental footprint, even though our sustainability efforts are still developing. For instance, we have introduced recycling initiatives, mainly for paper, and are transitioning to digital documentation to cut down on waste. Additionally, we operate a compact and energy-efficient data center to decrease power consumption. Although we are currently seeking sustainability certifications, we remain dedicated to making ethical decisions that reduce our impact on the environment. ESG is a key priority, and we are eager to keep enhancing our practices.Next steps, futureB&FT: Open banking is gaining attention worldwide. Do you believe Ghana will follow this trend?CWG Ghana:Open banking shows promise in Ghana, even if its implementation could require some time. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of digital adaptability, with banks needing to adjust to remote access solutions. Although they have been cautious in the past, financial institutions are now more aware of the advantages offered by digital services. This transition towards open banking may occur slowly, but I am confident it will eventually become established, as it matches the rising consumer preference for easy digital solutions.B&FT: What are the upcoming plans for CWG Ghana?CWG Ghana:Our main goal is to keep progressing. We intend to keep growing into sectors such as manufacturing and healthcare, and we will stay dedicated to cybersecurity, which is becoming increasingly important for businesses in every area. We will also concentrate on using emerging technologies like AI and machine learning, ensuring our team has the skills needed to fulfill client requirements. In addition to our ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, we are planning further security efforts over the next 1-3 years to improve our security position. These involve adopting Zero Trust Architecture, boosting security automation and coordination, broadening our security training and awareness programs, and improving third-party risk management. Our corporate social responsibility activities will grow, with a particular emphasis on bridging the technology skills gap. We are excited about increasing our influence and supporting Ghana’s development in the coming years. We believe our role in raising information security standards across Ghana’s business environment shows that ISO certification is attainable for any organization that is determined—it is not limited to only large companies.B&FT: Lastly, if you could convey a single message regarding CWG Ghana’s mission, what would it be?CWG Ghana:Our goal is to offer reassurance via dependable solutions. We make significant investments in technology, skilled personnel, and collaborations to deliver the highest standards to our clients. Each solution we present embodies our dedication to excellence, adherence to regulations, and community involvement. We are not merely here to offer a service; we are here to establish long-term trust with our clients and the communities we support. We anticipate collaborating closely with regulatory bodies and the industry to jointly protect cyberspace for our customers. In the end, security is not the responsibility of a single organization, but by working together, we can provide assurance to our customers and regulators. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).