July 24, 2025 / GNA
By Edward Dankwah
“In an era where digital crime evolves rapidly alongside technological advancements, it is imperative for governmental, academic, and private institutions to collaborate on the responsible integration of Artificial Intelligence,” said Mr. Divine Selase Agbeti, Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority.
“Only through coordinated efforts and shared accountability can we meet the complex demands of modern digital crime and build resilient, secure societies,” he added.
Mr. Emmanuel Adinkra, President and Chief Information Security Officer of the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation (GISF), emphasized: “This moment is not just about highlighting the dangers our youth face online, but about equipping every stakeholder — from parents to prosecutors — with the tools to act. The future of our children’s digital safety depends on it.”
Mr. Agbeti made these remarks during the opening of ePolice Academy 2025, a landmark event organized by the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation (GISF) and supported by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA).
The event was held at the Amonoo Neizer Conference Hall, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi.
The academy convened Ghana’s top law enforcement officials, judicial experts, cybersecurity professionals, and regional partners to strengthen Africa’s capacity to combat child online exploitation, child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and financial sextortion.
DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, revealed that over 10,000 cyber incidents were reported between 2023 and 2024 alone. She called for enhanced tools, cross-border cooperation, and professional agility to address emerging digital threats.
Speakers also included Athena Morgan of ICMEC Kenya, who shared international AI frameworks for child protection, and Nelson Herald Darko of the CSA, who outlined Ghana’s national strategy and law enforcement partnerships.
Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe of the Court of Appeal addressed the growing judicial demands in prosecuting cybercrimes effectively.
The day featured powerful insights from international experts such as Paul Raffille (New York) on global sextortion trends and Andrew Briercliffe (UK), who highlighted scalable investigative methods.
A major milestone was the official launch of the #StopSextortion campaign — a bold initiative aimed at breaking the silence around image-based abuse and providing victims with safe reporting options and support networks.
The campaign is now being rolled out across schools, communities, and law enforcement agencies nationwide.
The impact of ePolice Academy 2025 was significant — sparking cross-sector collaboration, raising public awareness, and equipping justice systems with the tools to address complex online crimes. It stands as a model for how African-led initiatives can drive digital protection and policy innovation.
Closing the event, Mr. Gabriel Ofori Appiah, Director of Awareness and Outreach at GISF, noted: “This event proves that when Africa collaborates, we don’t just respond to threats — we create pathways to resilience, digital literacy, and justice for victims.”
Together, stakeholders are building a safer, smarter, and more secure online environment for every child.
— GNA
