Of strategies to combat digital misinformation and enhancing cybersecurity... A conversation with Harriet Yartey, Managing Director of CWG Ghana

CWG Ghana Limited, a leading provider of information and communication technology (ICT) services, last year secured a Tier 1 Cybersecurity Service Provider licence from Ghana's Cybersecurity Authority (CSA).

Earlier this year, the organisation has officially attained the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, a globally recognised standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). The achievement demonstrates the company’s unwavering commitment to data protection, operational resilience, and international best practices in cybersecurity. 

The certification, which was awarded following a rigorous independent audit, covers key areas of CWG Ghana’s operations, including sales, finance, project management, technical operations, data centres, and disaster recovery sites.

The Graphic Business (GB) interviewed Harriet Yartey (HY), Managing Director of CWG Ghana, a technology solutions firm with over two decades of experience in the industry providing services such as identity and access management, penetration testing, email security solutions, governance, risk and compliance solutions among others. Harriet Yartey (HY) shared insight into her outfit's operations, efforts to help in the awareness creation, industry trends, the licence secured from the CSA and the recent ISO certification and its future as well as practical solutions for individuals, businesses to follow to minimize their risk of expose to cyber security threats.

GB: Could you tell us about the specific services you provide?
HY: At CWG Ghana, we are primarily systems integrators. We offer a wide range of Information Technology (IT) services, including infrastructure management, software development, and customized solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. We also provide specialized services in areas like identity and access management, penetration testing, email security, and governance, risk, and compliance solutions.

GB: How has the business ecosystem in Ghana supported or challenged your operations? Could you share some of the challenges and success stories you've encountered?
HY: Overall, the Ghanaian market has been quite supportive. While we have faced challenges, many of them are not unique to Ghana---post-COVID, for instance, businesses around the world have had to adjust to new dynamics. However, there is a growing appetite for technology here. In particular, sectors like banking and telecommunications are becoming more sophisticated, and their customers now demand tech-driven solutions.
One of our biggest success stories is our ability to help businesses adapt to digital transformation. For example, after COVID-19, many companies needed to quickly transition to remote work and embrace cloud technologies. We were able to guide our clients through this shift, helping them implement secure, scalable digital solutions that met their needs during such a critical time. That has been a significant achievement for us and a testament to the growing demand for technology in Ghana. Despite the challenges, the growing tech-savvy customer base continues to drive us to innovate and stay ahead of industry trends.

GB: How are you adapting to the fact that clients are becoming more sophisticated? How are you navigating this changing landscape and leveraging it to your advantage?
HY: To stay ahead, we invest heavily in knowledge acquisition and continuously monitor global trends. We're always aware of the evolving changes in the market and the growing demands of our customers. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, accelerated the shift to remote work, something that was not widely adopted in Africa or Ghana prior to that. As a result, people have become more aware of the importance and practicality of cloud solutions, and this awareness has only grown post-COVID. Digital transformation is now widespread, and we are supporting our customers in navigating this shift by providing the necessary technology solutions.
For instance, in the banking sector, we no longer see long queues in branches as we did in the past. Today, banks have diversified channels to serve their customers, and we are helping them meet these demands. Whether it is digital banking platforms, cloud solutions, or enhanced customer service technologies, we're committed to ensuring that our clients are well-equipped to meet the evolving expectations of their own customers.

GB: With more players entering the industry, what sets CWG apart from the competition?
HY: At CWG Ghana, we pride ourselves on delivering not just solutions but fully supported solutions. We do not sell anything we can't support. A solution is only as good as the support behind it. If something goes wrong, it can be frustrating for our customers, so we ensure we have the capacity to handle any issues that arise. Years ago, we had to rely on external partners, which added to our customers' costs due to travel and logistical expenses. Today, however, we have built strong local capabilities with a team here in Ghana that can quickly support our clients, regardless of the solution we provide.
We also have CWG Academy, an initiative where we nurture local talent. Through the Academy, we train recent university graduates, equipping them with the skills needed for a career in ICT. Not only does this help create a talent pool for the industry, but many of these trained individuals join us and contribute directly to the services we provide.
Additionally, we offer on-site engineering services, allowing businesses to avoid the cost of hiring in-house staff. For our telco and banking clients, for example, we provide dedicated engineers who work on-site, providing continuous support and peace of mind. Our goal is to be a reliable partner, always present to help our customers achieve their goals, no matter the challenges they face.

GB: Let's talk about the Tier 1 certification you received from the Cyber Security Authority. As of now, they have issued 73 certifications to cybersecurity operators and several to cybersecurity professionals. What did it take for CWG to achieve this certification?
HY: The process involved meeting very stringent requirements. It was not a simple task -- the standards set by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) were thorough and exacting. We had to prove our adherence to these standards before receiving a provisional license. There were further steps to complete, but once we met all the criteria, we were awarded the certification.
Additionally, our recent achievement of ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification provided a strong foundation for meeting CSA standards, as both certifications share common information security management principles. The ISO certification demonstrates our commitment to internationally recognized frameworks for managing information security risks, which complemented our preparation for the CSA requirements.
For us as an organization, it was important to operate by the standards set by the industry regulator. Initially, many thought that the government might not pursue this certification seriously, but the CSA has shown it is here to stay. The process was rigorous, and we're proud to have successfully navigated it with both local and international validation of our capabilities.

GB: What does this certification mean for CWG Ghana, and what impact do you foresee it having on the business moving forward?
HY: First and foremost, it instills trust and credibility with our customers. It reinforces our reputation as a reliable service provider and shows our partners that we're compliant with industry standards. The certification is a testament to our commitment to cybersecurity best practices and regulatory compliance. The CSA has communicated to all institutions in Ghana that they should not engage with any entity that is not licensed, so by achieving this certification, we are ensuring that our business partners and clients can be confident that we meet regulatory requirements.
This is further reinforced by our ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, which demonstrates our commitment to international best practices in information security management. Together, these certifications provide our clients with confidence in both our local regulatory compliance and our adherence to global standards. The ISO certification covers our comprehensive scope including Sales, Finance, PMO/BA, Technical operations, Data Centers, and Disaster Recovery sites, showing that our entire organization operates under rigorous security frameworks.
From a business perspective, these certifications signal that we have recognized potential cybersecurity risks and have implemented systematic measures to address them. Having dual certification gives us a significant competitive advantage in the market, as it assures customers and stakeholders that we are a trustworthy, compliant, and capable partner in the cybersecurity space, validated by both local and international authorities.

GB: What specific cybersecurity services will CWG Ghana be offering under this license?
HY: Cybersecurity is a broad field, and our services span several key areas. At the most basic level, we help organizations raise awareness among their employees about potential cybersecurity threats, including things like social engineering and phishing attacks. We also address risks that come with everyday actions, such as employees connecting their personal devices to company networks and requesting Wi-Fi access -- this opens up vulnerabilities.
These capabilities are underpinned by our ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified Information Security Management System, which covers our entire operation including Sales, Finance, PMO/BA, Technical operations, Data Centers, and Disaster Recovery sites. This certification ensures that our security services are delivered through rigorously tested and internationally recognized frameworks.
Our ISO-certified incident response capabilities have been significantly enhanced to align with global best practices. We now have 24/7 incident monitoring and escalation protocols, with a well-defined Incident Response Plan that outlines clear steps for identifying, reporting, containing, investigating, and recovering from security incidents. We conduct regular simulations and drills to test preparedness, and our incident response process is fully integrated with our risk management and business continuity strategies.
We offer solutions to tackle both internal and external threats, especially within financial institutions, where fraud can occur from both inside and outside the organization. Our solutions are layered and complementary, ensuring a multi-faceted approach to cybersecurity. The goal is to strengthen our customers' security posture and minimize their exposure to cyber risks. We provide a comprehensive suite of services designed to address a wide range of security concerns, from basic awareness to complex fraud prevention and threat mitigation.

GB: How do you see the cybersecurity landscape evolving, and what are your plans to stay ahead of the curve?
HY: As technology evolves, so too does the need for stronger cybersecurity. We are seeing a significant increase in cloud adoption as organizations migrate non-critical applications to the cloud. This shift creates new vulnerabilities, requiring businesses to continuously strengthen their cybersecurity defenses. Additionally, the trend of remote work exposes organizations to new threats, as employees access systems from outside the secure office environment.
Our ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification positions us well for these evolving challenges, as it requires continuous improvement and regular assessment of our security controls. The certification framework helps us stay current with emerging threats and ensures we're implementing best practices as the landscape evolves.
I believe cybersecurity will become an even higher priority in the coming years, and we are positioning ourselves to stay ahead of emerging threats by continually upgrading our knowledge, solutions, and technologies to meet the growing demands. Our certified management system ensures that this evolution happens systematically and measurably.

GB: Are there any future challenges you anticipate in the cybersecurity space, and how do you plan to address them?
HY: One of the challenges we foresee is the growing complexity of cyber threats as technology continues to advance. To prepare for this, we have developed comprehensive business continuity plans and made critical investments to ensure long-term sustainability. We closely monitor both local and global cybersecurity trends to align our strategies with future developments. By staying proactive and adaptable, we are ready to face whatever challenges arise in the cybersecurity landscape.

GB: What advice would you give to individuals on measures they can take to minimize their exposure to cyber threats?
HY: One of the simplest and most effective steps individuals can take is to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on their social media accounts and other online services. This adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password. People often underestimate the importance of protecting their personal data, but in today's digital world, your data is extremely valuable. I also recommend backing up important data in the cloud. Do not store all your information in one place---if your device is lost or compromised, having a backup ensures you don't lose everything.

GB: Could you share some of the strategies you plan to implement to build trust and credibility for your business in Ghana?
HY: Building trust starts with being a credible and reliable entity. Over the past 20 years, we have communicated this to our customers by offering not just solutions, but also continuous support and handholding. When problems arise, we do not walk away---we stay with our customers and ensure their success, because their success is ours as well.
Our dual certifications - the CSA Tier 1 license and ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification - provide concrete evidence of our commitment to excellence and reliability. The ISO certification, in particular, demonstrates our systematic approach to managing information security risks and our dedication to continuous improvement. Our 24/7 incident monitoring capabilities and well-defined response procedures give clients additional confidence in our ability to support them effectively.
We invest in ongoing learning and innovation, as technology evolves rapidly. To stay ahead, we ensure our team is always updated with the latest developments, so we can offer the best solutions at all times. Our certified management system ensures that this continuous improvement happens systematically across all areas of our operation. Ultimately, our focus is on fostering long-term relationships with our clients and positioning ourselves as a trusted partner in their growth.

GB: How would you assess the current ecosystem, and what solutions would you recommend to the CSA to help businesses operate more effectively?
HY: The ecosystem is becoming increasingly competitive, and it is important that there is a level playing field where all businesses, regardless of size, have fair opportunities. The CSA is doing a good job of supporting us with information and guidance, and they are taking the lead in Africa with their cybersecurity initiatives. However, to continue improving, I think it is essential to maintain this support and ensure that businesses can operate smoothly. Licensing, for example, is a significant investment for companies. Beyond just the entity itself, employees also need to be licensed, and we currently have three employees ready for licensing.

GB: What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who want to enter this space?
HY: There are no shortcuts in business. One of the key lessons I have learned is that when you are starting small, it is easy to overlook certain things, but as you grow, it is crucial to have a strategic plan. Set clear goals for your first year, then outline your mid-term and long-term objectives. As you scale, it is essential to implement processes and structures early on. Many local businesses fail to do this and then struggle to meet the requirements for larger opportunities, such as tenders.
For instance, documentation like tax clearance, SSNIT clearance, and public procurement approval is essential to compete for major contracts. Starting with these systems in place ensures that as your business grows, you can compete on the same level as larger firms. Take inspiration from companies like Microsoft, which started small but built the right foundation to become a global leader. Ghanaian entrepreneurs can achieve the same success by following best practices and planning for long-term growth.

GB: Recently, the Daily Graphic highlighted the issue of online impersonation affecting businesses. What practical steps can be taken to address this issue?
HY: Online impersonation is a growing concern, and it highlights the importance of securing your brand's digital presence. From the start, businesses need to implement robust security measures to protect their brand and digital assets. This includes ensuring that no one can easily clone or impersonate your brand online. Just as physical assets are protected, digital assets must also be safeguarded with strong security systems. Businesses need to invest in solutions that prevent unauthorized access to their online systems and protect their reputation.
For example, many businesses have public-facing contact information or promotional numbers that can be easily misused for impersonation. By using security tools such as verified websites, secure payment gateways, and brand monitoring services, businesses can reduce the risk of impersonation and safeguard both their reputation and their customers.

GB: We are seeing a rise in misinformation and disinformation, particularly among young people who are active on social media. What advice do you have for the public to navigate this?
HY: The issue of misinformation is not new, and over the years, we have certainly matured in how we approach it. However, during certain periods, it is crucial to recognize that the spread of misinformation is more prevalent due to the widespread use of social media, especially among younger generations like Gen Z and millennials. This means we all have a responsibility to critically evaluate the information we encounter online.
Our institutions, such as the NCCE (National Commission for Civic Education) and the Peace Council, should be actively involved in providing guidance on how to discern between fake news and credible sources. Public education campaigns are key. For example, it is essential to encourage the public to verify news through trusted channels before sharing it. Many times, we can trace the origins of information to determine if it is genuine or if it is being falsely attributed to a credible source. A simple check on the authenticity of social media accounts or a quick search for corroborating information can help us avoid spreading falsehoods.
In addition, creating awareness about the dangers of misinformation and providing the tools to identify fake news will go a long way in mitigating its impact. It's all about enhancing public awareness and encouraging responsible digital citizenship.

GB: Any last words?
HY: It has been an engaging conversation. Thank you for the opportunity to share our journey and insights. As we continue to strengthen Ghana's cybersecurity landscape through our certified capabilities and collaborative efforts, we remain committed to supporting both individual and organizational digital resilience. Our dual certifications represent not just compliance achievements, but our dedication to contributing meaningfully to Ghana's digital transformation and security ecosystem.