Accra, Ghana – 6th September, 2024
The Ghana Internet Safety Foundation (GISF) has held a two-day significant event at the University of Environment and Natural Resources (UENR), in Sunyani drawing attention to the pressing need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and justice for victims of cybercrime and Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) in Ghana.
The RECESS Auditorium, UNIVERSITY OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES-UENR Campus was abuzz with CID Detectives and State Prosecutors from the GHANA POLICE and other stakeholders, all contributing to the narrative of a safer online environment.
The CyberLaw Academy, an initiative by GISF, is tailored to equip law enforcement officers and state prosecutors with the essential skills and strategies needed to effectively combat these crimes and ensure justice delivery to victims of cybercrime especially CSAM.
During the series, industry leaders and experts discussed the critical role Artificial Intelligence (AI) can play in aiding the prosecution of cybercrime and CSAM cases. The message was clear: justice must be served for victims, and this academy seeks to empower the professionals tasked with delivering that justice.
The event held from 14th to August 15th, was marked by a series of insightful discussions and hands-on workshops. The focus of the day was on “Harnessing AI for Effective Prosecution of Cybercrime and CSAM Cases in Ghana.”
The CyberLaw Academy series underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in the fight against cyber threats. It also came to light that the prosecution of cybercrime and CSAM cases in Ghana must result in the delivery of justice to victims.
The CyberLaw Academy, a brainchild of the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation(GISF), is designed to empower Ghana’s law enforcement and state prosecutors with the relevant skills and strategies to tackle these challenges head-on.
There were advanced presentations and engaging panel discussions which emphasized the need for strategic partnerships and a shared commitment to cybersecurity. The event was a resounding success, reflecting the dedication of all involved.
The Special Guest Speaker and Lead Facilitator was Her Ladyship, Justice Afia Serwaa Asare Botwe, Justice of Appeal Court & Judiciary Representative On The Joint Cybersecurity Committee.
Addressing the event, she appreciated GISF and the chosen venue and location of the event in Sunyani as part of efforts to intensify cyber law awareness.
“To the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation, I say Well done! Well done! These programs, always I’m very happy to participate in them but it demands huge financial support so we ask that when it comes to public service, please continue to support us in many ways as possible. And I’m also happy that you did it in Sunyani.
…Whenever people are dealing with electronic crimes and cybercrime, they want to concentrate on Accra and some big cities but over the period, you would notice that everybody can be a victim of cybercrime, no matter what corner of the country the person finds himself or herself.
So please, the next time, continue to move to other places and try to reach as many investigators, law enforcement people and prosecutors as possible,” she said. She further stated that evidence in court has moved from papers to electronic and digital evidence. “It is time for us to rethink what evidence is. As far as people would just say, oh, paper, no lie. Do you have any documentary evidence to show this and that and that?
Now what evidence is, you have to change it. Stop asking the people, do you have any paper? Do you have any paper? It might be something more than paper. We have moved to digital and electronic evidence,” the concerned judge stated.
Gabriel Ofori Appiah, Director of Operation and Outreach at GISF stood in for his Founder and President, Emmanuel Adinkra.
On behalf of GISF Gabriel Ofori Appiah expressed their deepest gratitude to the speakers, participants, and partners who contributed to the event’s success. Special acknowledgment was given to key partners, including the Ghana Police, Digital Aid International, SCARS Institute™, Mott Foundation, and the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI).
“Together, these organizations are laying the foundation for a more resilient and secure digital future. As the academy series concludes, the collective journey toward enhancing cybersecurity continues. The spirit of collaboration and innovation continued to thrive. Participants were treated to an enlightening agenda, featuring advanced presentations and panel discussions on Harnessing Al for Effective Prosecution of Cybercrime and CSAM Cases in Ghana.
The commitment to driving impactful change in the digital landscape remains stronger than ever. Your contributions were invaluable, and your commitment to enhancing cybersecurity and online safety is truly commendable. Special thanks to our partners: GHANA POLICE, Digital Aid International, SCARS Institute™ – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams™ Inc. – Nonprofit , Mott Foundation, and West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Together, we are building a resilient and secure digital future.
Our journey doesn’t end here; let’s continue to drive impactful change in the realm of cybersecurity and the digital landscape,” he said. The investigators, prosecutors and detectives were taken through identifying the challenges associated with applying the right cyber laws in the court.
According to the facilitators, one of the challenges of prosecuting cyber crime-related matters have been to identify the right law that applies to the issues.
It was also highlighted that there are various cyber laws in Ghana that supports the work of prosecutors. The attendees were also schooled on handling cyber crime cases and how to draft their charge sheets. They were sensitized on the various cyber laws, both local ones and international ones. The prosecutors, and investigators also benefited from extensive coverage of the Ghana Cyber Security Act.
They covered cyber crimes that are there for the purposes of child sexual exploitation and abuse and Electronic Transactions Act and explaining a few things there as well for them. One of the Participants attested at the CyberLaw Academy Series that it has indeed been a testament to the power of collaboration and the tireless efforts of all involved coupled with highly well engaging topics.
They were also admonished to get knowledge, build strategic relationships, and then create something for themselves. At the end of the training, the prosecutors and investigators became well informed that they should always refer judges to Section 7 of the Electronic Transactions Act especially when it comes to admitting digital and electronic evidence.
For more information on the outcomes of the event and future initiatives, please contact Gabriel Ofori Appiah at +233 55 000 6737 or goforiappiah@gisfoundation.com
