INFORMATION SECURITY AND THE CONTINUAL USAGE OF E-COMMERCE PLATFORMS: A CASE OF GHANA

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates the impact of information security and trust on continued e-commerce usage in Ghana, where online commerce has become essential despite growing cyber threats. Theoretical Framework: Social exchange theory was used to explain how individuals form trust in social interactions. It helps to reveal how people weigh relationship rewards and costs, navigate power dynamics, and make choices. Method: Out of 117 collected responses, 100 were valid for analysis. Partial Least Squares-SEM (PLS-SEM) was used for structural equation modeling, following the "10-times rule" for minimum sample size. Results and Discussion: The research demonstrates that Information Security significantly enhances continual usage and directly impacts consumer trust. Also, we found that, trust serves as a mediator between information security and continual usage. Further, the study reveals that ICT skills play a key mediating role in the relationship between trust and continual usage. The findings highlight the importance of prioritizing information security, implementing user-friendly security measures, and offering training to improve users’ ICT skills. Research Implications: These insights have practical implications for e-commerce businesses, policymakers, and individuals. It emphasizes the necessity of robust information security measures to build trust and encourage continual usage among Ghanaians. Originality/Value: The study adds to existing literature by underscoring the essential role of Information Security in cultivating Ghanaian consumers trust and loyalty in the e-commerce environment.