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Short answer
An SSL certificate encrypts the connection between your website and its visitors, so passwords, forms and payments can't be read in transit. It turns http into https and shows the padlock in the browser. Without it, browsers warn visitors that your site is "Not secure".
Why every website needs SSL
- Security: logins, contact forms and payments are encrypted.
- Trust: browsers label sites without SSL “Not secure”, which puts visitors off.
- Google: https is a ranking signal, and Chrome flags insecure pages.
- Payments: card and mobile money checkouts (MTN MoMo, Telecel Cash, AirtelTigo Money) require https.
- Personal data: if your site collects customer details, encryption is part of protecting them under Ghana’s Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843).
Types of SSL certificates
| Type | What is checked | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Domain Validation (DV) | That you control the domain | Blogs, business websites, most shops |
| Organisation Validation (OV) | The domain and that your company exists | Companies, portals, sites that handle personal data |
| Extended Validation (EV) | A full check of the organisation | Banks, payment and financial services |
| Wildcard | Covers all subdomains | Sites with many subdomains (shop., portal., mail.) |
Every type uses the same strong encryption; the difference is how much the certificate proves about who runs the site. More in DV vs OV vs EV.
Do I need to pay for one?
Usually not: every Hostnali hosting plan includes a free SSL certificate that installs and renews itself. See do I need to pay for SSL?
For OV, EV or wildcard certificates, see our SSL certificates, from ₵250 a year.