UENR Lecturer and Head of the Information Technology and Decision Sciences Department at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Dr. Peter Appiahene was a guest speaker at the 13th edition of Tech in Ghana held in London.
Tech in Ghana is a key UK-Ghana platform dedicated to showcasing and strengthening Ghana’s burgeoning tech ecosystem. Since its inception in 2017, it has attracted significant participation from multinational corporations, investors, decision-makers, fast-growing scale-ups, and founders.
During the event, Dr. Appiahene delivered an insightful presentation on “Realizing the Full Potential of Storytelling in Cybersecurity Training.” He emphasized that in today’s digital era, cybersecurity transcends technical requirements and is a fundamental aspect of national security and development. As Ghana continues its digital transformation journey, safeguarding digital infrastructure becomes increasingly critical. Cybersecurity education is pivotal in equipping individuals and organizations with the necessary skills and knowledge to defend against cyber threats.
Dr. Peter Appiahene delivering his presentation
Dr. Appiahene highlighted the importance of storytelling in cybersecurity training, stating that it is not merely about conveying information but creating an emotional connection and fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Citing Sarah Moffatt, a renowned expert in cybersecurity storytelling, he noted that stories help humanize complex data, making it more relatable and memorable.
Dr. Peter Appiahene concluded his presentation by stating that storytelling is not just a method but a crucial element in cybersecurity training. It helps demystify complex concepts, engages learners, and ensures that the lessons learned are not only understood but also remembered and applied. According to him, as we move forward, we should embrace storytelling as a key component of our educational strategies, ensuring that we build a resilient and secure digital future for Ghana and beyond.
While in London, Dr. Appiahene also participated in London Tech Week 2024 at Olympia, a global tech event that brings together visionaries, entrepreneurs, investors, and enterprise tech leaders to accelerate tech innovation. The event featured cutting-edge insights from cross-industry leaders, deep dives into the startup ecosystem, and powerful conversations on social impact from prominent industry figures. Key topics included Artificial Intelligence and The Future of Security and Data.
Notable speakers at London Tech Week included Dr. Nicola Hodson, Chief Executive of UK & Ireland IBM; Clare Barclay, CEO of Microsoft UK; Charlotte Hogg, CEO of Visa Europe; and Lila Ibrahim, COO of Google DeepMind. Dr. Appiahene expressed that the knowledge and experiences gained from these events would significantly benefit the 3rd Edition of the Technology Fair organized by his department at UENR in August 2024.
A view of participants at the event
“As a tech expert, I am committed to Ghana’s digital transformation agenda initiated by previous, current, and future governments,” Dr. Appiahene said. “For a developing country like Ghana, technology is our surest bet for leapfrogging in nation-building and development”.
Dr. Appiahene’s participation in these significant tech events underscores his dedication to advancing Ghana’s digital landscape and his role as a leader in the field of Information Technology and Decision Sciences.
