Senior executives from Ghana's mining, oil and gas industries recently gathered to discuss the growing risks of cyberattacks, fraud, and emerging technologies to their operations. The event, hosted by cybersecurity firm e-Crime Bureau, was the second edition of its Founder's Opera Soirée, held at its East Legon office in Accra on Friday, 25 September 2026. The event brought industry leaders and professionals together to examine how digital threats could affect safety, business continuity, and critical infrastructure.
The event, themed "Managing Cyber and Related Risks in the Extractive Sector", focused on the protection of data and systems in the extractive sector. Participants discussed risks arising from the growing links between digital systems, industrial equipment, and physical facilities. These included cyberattacks, the misuse of artificial intelligence, insider threats, industrial espionage, supply chain weaknesses, and incidents in which a digital breach could have physical consequences.
A discussion moderated by Presidential Staffer and media personality Bridget Otoo covered leadership, crisis management, organisational resilience, and the need to build cybersecurity expertise. Participants emphasised that managing these risks required coordination across an organisation, from senior management and operational teams to human resources, security staff, and external contractors. As mining, oil, and gas companies adopt more digital technology, firms must account for the effects a breach could have beyond their computer networks.
The event was hosted by e-Crime Bureau's Founder and Executive Chairman, Dr Albert Antwi-Boasiako. He said the inclusion of Italian opera offered an opportunity for executives to build professional relationships in a setting outside conventional business meetings. Italy's Ambassador to Ghana and Togo, Laura Ranalli, attended the soirée and commended Dr Antwi-Boasiako's contributions to cybersecurity in Africa and to Ghana-Italy relations.
The event also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and cultural exchange. Established in 2011, e-Crime Bureau provides cybersecurity consulting, digital forensics, investigations, training, and technology services. The company's efforts aim to address the growing need for robust cybersecurity measures in Ghana's extractive sector.
According to the organisers, the event provided a platform for industry leaders to share knowledge and best practices in managing cyber and related risks. The discussions emphasised the importance of collaboration and coordination in mitigating digital threats. As the extractive sector continues to adopt digital technologies, the need for effective cybersecurity measures will only continue to grow.
The e-Crime Bureau Founder's Opera Soirée is an annual event that brings together industry leaders and professionals to discuss pressing issues in cybersecurity. This year's event demonstrated the growing awareness of cyber threats in Ghana's extractive sector and the need for proactive measures to mitigate these risks. The event concluded with a call for extractive firms to strengthen their cyber defences and stay vigilant in the face of evolving digital threats.
Key points
- Extractive firms in Ghana are urged to strengthen their cyber defences amid growing digital risks.
- The e-Crime Bureau event brought industry leaders together to discuss cyber threats and mitigation strategies.
- Effective cybersecurity measures require coordination across an organisation, from senior management to external contractors.
