The Director-General of Ghana’s National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA), Divine Selasi Agbeti, has been suspended for two weeks as authorities investigate allegations of misconduct.
The suspension stems from concerns raised by the Office of the President regarding Agbeti’s decision to employ a uniformed military officer as his personal bodyguard. This action is considered a violation of established protocols, prompting a formal inquiry. The move has drawn significant attention due to the sensitive nature of the NCSA’s role in protecting Ghana’s digital infrastructure.
The Office of the President initiated the query after reports surfaced about the unauthorized use of military personnel. Such a decision is seen as a breach of standard security procedures, which require strict adherence to ensure the integrity of sensitive institutions like the NCSA.
The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, acting on direct instructions from the presidency, ordered the immediate suspension to allow for a thorough investigation. This swift response underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining accountability among high-ranking officials.
The allegations center on the potential national security risks posed by Agbeti’s actions. Using a military officer as a personal bodyguard without proper clearance raises concerns about the misuse of state resources and the potential compromise of security protocols.
This suspension sends a clear message from both the presidency and the Ministry of Communications that adherence to security protocols is non-negotiable. For an agency as critical as the NCSA, which plays a pivotal role in defending Ghana’s digital infrastructure, any deviation from established guidelines is treated with utmost seriousness.
While Agbeti remains off duty during the investigation, questions linger about the potential consequences he may face. Depending on the findings, further disciplinary measures could be imposed, ranging from reinstatement with a warning to more severe actions like dismissal. The outcome of the probe will likely set a precedent for how similar breaches are handled in the future, particularly within agencies tasked with sensitive responsibilities. For now, the NCSA continues its operations under interim leadership to ensure continuity in its critical functions.
The NCSA is at the forefront of protecting the nation’s digital assets, including government systems, financial institutions, and critical infrastructure, against growing cyber threats.