Students at Kasoa Methodist Basic School “A” received practical lessons on protecting their online information during an outreach organised by the Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) West Africa Affiliate.
Held under the theme “Your Digital Footprint, Own it, Protect it”, the programme formed part of activities marking International Women’s Day and WiCyS West Africa’s community engagement initiatives.
Miss Elizabeth Bemah Amankwah explained that the initiative seeks to raise awareness among young students about data privacy and the risks of sharing personal information online. She warned that careless online activity could lead to identity theft, cyberbullying, and other threats, emphasizing that even simple social media posts leave permanent digital traces.
Mentees from the Data Privacy Stream led interactive sessions with students, covering topics such as recognising sensitive personal information, setting social media privacy controls, and developing safe online habits. Students were also encouraged to become “Privacy Champions”, advocating for responsible digital behaviour within their communities.
Mrs. Amma Dappah Oppong praised the initiative and urged students to apply the lessons in daily life. Portions of the outreach material will also feature in students’ ICT mock exams to reinforce learning.
Madam Melody Eyram Azumah reminded students to use strong passwords, review privacy settings regularly, and promote safe online practices among peers and family members.
Founded in 2012 by Dr. Ambareen Siraj with support from the U.S. National Science Foundation, WiCyS is a global network that supports the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in cybersecurity. WiCyS West Africa, headquartered in Ghana, extends its reach to countries including Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Senegal, and Sierra Leone, empowering young people and women in the field of cybersecurity.
