The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) will commence a comprehensive cybersecurity awareness training programme for its staff across the country starting this month.

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This initiative, aimed at mitigating risks tied to data vulnerabilities, is being rolled out through a collaboration between the NHIA’s Management Information Systems (MIS) Directorate and XYLO360 Cyber Security Ghana Ltd.

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The decision was formalised during a high-level engagement at the NHIA Head Office on Tuesday, April 29. The meeting convened the Deputy Chief Executive for Operations, Dr. Senanu Djokoto, MIS Directorate stakeholders, and officials from XYLO360.

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Mr. Ebenezer Hooper, Senior Manager for Security and Standards at NHIA, pointed out that the exponential increase in the Authority’s data necessitates enhanced staff awareness and preparedness.

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“As our data continues to grow, there is a critical need to undergo this training,” he said, stressing that employee knowledge is essential in preventing cyber breaches, especially those resulting from human error and lack of awareness.

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Mr. Nathaniel Ayettey, Lead Trainer at XYLO360, added that the training will address basic cyber hygiene practices. “We want every staff member across the country to understand what cybersecurity means,” he said.

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According to him, the sessions will be interactive and hands-on, covering critical topics such as phishing attacks, password security, safe internet use, social engineering threats, and incident response strategies.

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Mr. Vitus Kaleoh-Bio, Acting Director for MIS, reaffirmed that participation in the training will be compulsory for all NHIA personnel. He also proposed integrating the core lessons into the Authority’s standard operational guidelines.

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“Embedding cybersecurity protocols in our operational culture will help sustain the behaviour we want to instil,” he noted.

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Dr. Djokoto, in wrapping up the meeting, highlighted the pivotal role employees play in protecting the NHIA’s digital systems.

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“The first line of defence we must strengthen is our workforce,” he said. “Institutionalising this training through formal policy is key to ensuring long-term resilience.”

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The nationwide programme is expected to significantly improve NHIA’s ability to safeguard sensitive data and align with broader efforts to enhance cybersecurity standards in Ghana’s public institutions.

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