Accra Metropolitan University Launches MSc Programmes in Cybersecurity & Security Intelligence

Accra Metropolitan University College has officially launched two new Master of Science (MSc) programmes aimed at strengthening cybersecurity and intelligence education in Ghana.

The newly introduced programmes are MSc in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, and MSc in Security and Intelligence. The programmes were unveiled during a formal ceremony on Wednesday, April 22, accompanied by a high-profile public lecture.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, former Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority and current Executive Chairman and Founder of the E-Crime Bureau.

Speaking on the theme “From Curriculum to Capability: Cybersecurity and Intelligence Education in the Algorithmic Era,” Dr. Antwi-Boasiako emphasized the need for a shift in how cybersecurity education is delivered.

He noted that while many graduates possess theoretical knowledge of concepts such as encryption, firewalls, and threat models, they often lack the practical skills required to address real-world cyber threats.

According to him, academic institutions must move beyond content-driven teaching and instead focus on developing well-rounded professionals equipped with discipline, resilience, and strong ethical foundations.

Referencing insights from Fortinet’s 2024 Skills Gap Report, Dr. Antwi-Boasiako highlighted that the global shortage of cybersecurity professionals stands at nearly four million. He added that more than 70 percent of organisations worldwide report a lack of job-ready talent.

He stressed that this gap presents a strategic opportunity for Ghana to position itself as a regional leader in cybersecurity by investing in education and workforce development.

Dr. Antwi-Boasiako also called for stronger collaboration between academia and industry, urging universities to involve experienced practitioners in teaching roles.

“In the Algorithmic Era, our academic faculties must embody both academic rigour and operational experience. Teaching must be informed by practice, not abstraction,” he stated.

He further underscored the importance of building structured cybersecurity workforce strategies, intelligence development pipelines, and early talent identification systems at the national level.

About the Programmes

The MSc Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics programme is designed as a scholarly-practitioner course that equips students with technical expertise, critical thinking abilities, and ethical grounding to secure digital environments and combat cybercrime.

The MSc Security and Intelligence programme focuses on developing analytical and strategic capabilities required for modern security operations and intelligence management.

Both programmes are open to applicants with bachelor’s degrees from Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC)-approved institutions or recognised international universities across disciplines such as management, science, engineering, and related fields.

The programmes have already attracted strong initial enrolment. The MSc Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics programme currently has a student population of 20, while the MSc Security and Intelligence programme has enrolled 22 students.

This early uptake reflects increasing interest in specialised cybersecurity and intelligence training as organisations across sectors seek skilled professionals to address evolving digital threats.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Accra Metropolitan University College, Prof. Goski Alabi, also underscored the importance of the initiative, stressing the university’s commitment to producing industry-ready graduates equipped with both technical expertise and practical skills to meet evolving security challenges.

With ambitions to position itself as a regional technology hub, Ghana’s investment in cybersecurity and intelligence education signals a proactive approach to securing its digital future.

The launch of these programmes marks a significant step in advancing Ghana’s cybersecurity education landscape. As cyber threats continue to rise and the demand for skilled professionals grows, initiatives like this are expected to play a critical role in building national resilience.

About The Author

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *