In Accra, Ghana, the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) launched the second phase of its regional Digital Rights Advocacy, Activism and Security Capacity Strengthening Programme with a four-day training session for civil society organisations (CSOs). Held from 16 to 19 February 2026, the training brought together twenty participants from ten Ghanaian CSOs to build digital resilience and equip organisations to operate safely in increasingly complex online environments. This engagement is the first of five planned country-level trainings in Nigeria, Liberia, Guinea (Conakry), and Côte d’Ivoire, aiming to support 50 CSOs across West Africa with practical skills, systems, and strategies for secure digital advocacy.
As civil society actors rely more on digital platforms for advocacy and mobilisation, they face growing threats such as misinformation, surveillance, cyberattacks, and online harassment. WACSI designed the programme to move organisations beyond basic awareness by embedding stronger digital governance and security practices into their institutional frameworks. Facilitated by digital rights specialist Dr Nansata Yakubu, the training emphasized that “Digital Rights are Human Rights Online” and highlighted the lag between fast-moving technology and outdated legal frameworks.
Participants explored Ghana’s digital legal environment, including data protection, electronic transactions, and the effects of internet shutdowns on civic space. The sessions also included practical modules on encrypted communication, digital security audits, artificial intelligence in advocacy, and strategies for countering disinformation. A central element was the development of organisational action plans to translate learning into tangible institutional reforms.
Participants highlighted the programme’s practical value. Ruka Yaro Deliman from the Northern Girl Initiative noted that the training strengthened her understanding of regulatory compliance and data protection policies, enhancing her organisation’s ability to serve young people, particularly young women. Derrick Adwensosu of the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation praised the action planning process for helping consolidate lessons and plan strategically for his organisation.
In her closing remarks, Omolara Balogun, WACSI’s Head of Policy Influencing and Advocacy, encouraged participants to apply their knowledge to strengthen leadership, networking, and mobilisation in the digital space. The Ghana training marks the beginning of Phase Two’s regional rollout, building on Phase One’s foundations in 2025, and is supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, which backs efforts to enhance digital resilience and protect civic space across West Africa.
