Accra, Ghana – February 20, 2025 — In a forward-looking move to reinforce cybersecurity readiness and regulatory compliance across Ghana’s banking landscape, the Ghana Association of Banks (GAB), in close collaboration with the Bank of Ghana and global cybersecurity solutions provider Cybervegent, convened a high-impact workshop titled “Enhancing Compliance and Security Maturity Through Technical Tools.” The event took place at the Kempinski Gold Coast City Hotel in Accra and attracted a distinguished group of professionals including Heads of Internal Control and Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) from across member banks.
The workshop was part of GAB’s continuous capacity-building drive aimed at equipping financial institutions with modern tools and strategies to meet evolving regulatory standards while proactively managing complex cyber threats. Participants explored real-world applications of compliance automation, threat detection systems, and data protection frameworks aligned with global standards such as ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, the Bank of Ghana’s Cyber and Information Security Directive (CISD), the CSA Directive, GDPR, and NIST.
Elevating Technical Capacity with Practical Solutions
The workshop featured several focused sessions designed to enhance participants’ technical understanding and operational readiness. Cybervegent led interactive demonstrations showcasing how automation can support continuous compliance and improve incident response times. Tools for real-time policy management, audit documentation, and cyber-risk detection were presented in detail, giving attendees hands-on exposure to internationally benchmarked solutions.
Key highlights included:
- Real-Time Compliance Dashboards – allowing banks to monitor regulatory adherence continuously.
- Centralized Policy Management Software - improving documentation consistency and reducing manual errors.
- Automated Audit Support Systems – easing the burden of regulatory reporting and improving data traceability.
These solutions, when adopted sector-wide, can significantly elevate the maturity level of compliance frameworks and reduce the time to detect, assess, and mitigate risks.
Insights from the Regulator: Addressing Non-Conformities with Transparency
One of the most impactful sessions was led by the Banking Supervision Department of the Bank of Ghana. Mr. Michael Chagli, representing the department, delivered a presentation titled “Common Non-Conformities: A Regulator’s Perspective.” His address provided participating banks with invaluable insight into typical gaps identified during regulatory inspections and offered practical recommendations on how to remedy them.
“Our goal is to ensure that banks not only comply, but internalize compliance as part of their operating DNA,” Mr. Chagli stated. “Workshops like these help bridge the gap between compliance intent and execution. We want banks to succeed—not just in passing audits, but in building trustworthy systems for the long term.”
His remarks emphasized the Central Bank’s role as a partner in industry development rather than a punitive watchdog, and his openness sparked an active Q&A session where banks sought clarity on specific areas of regulatory interpretation.
A Collaborative Blueprint for Sector-Wide Resilience
The workshop was not just about tools—it was about mindset. By fostering open discussions and shared learning, the event created a platform for banks to move beyond siloed approaches and toward a more harmonized industry posture in cybersecurity and compliance.
GAB, together with Cybervegent and the Bank of Ghana, emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue among banks, regulators, and technical partners. The association reaffirmed its commitment to championing industry transformation and supporting banks to meet both local and global compliance benchmarks.
Looking Ahead: Practical Outcomes and Implementation
By the close of the workshop, participants left with renewed clarity on how to:
- Integrate automated compliance tools across operational workflows.
- Deploy threat monitoring and detection technologies to manage cyber risks proactively.
- Strengthen internal audit frameworks using real-time reporting solutions.
- Foster internal cultures of accountability and regulatory awareness.
Attendees also received resource kits, including implementation guides and access to further support from Cybervegent, ensuring that the momentum built at the workshop continues at the institutional level.
This initiative marks yet another milestone in the Ghana Association of Banks’ broader mission to enhance institutional competence, risk governance, and strategic resilience in the ever-evolving financial services environment
