The Ghanaian government has taken a firm stance against cybercrime, with former President John Dramani Mahama warning that perpetrators of cyber fraud will face extradition and prosecution under international law. This move aims to protect the country’s economy, security, and image in the global digital space.
Key Initiatives:
– Extradition Warning: Mahama emphasized that anyone engaged in cyber fraud will be handed over to foreign authorities for prosecution if their crimes affect international partners or compromise Ghana’s reputation.
– Cyber Panel: A Joint Cyber Security Committee has been established to coordinate security responses, monitor threats, and develop educational campaigns to sensitize the public.
– $50 Million FinTech Fund: A $50 million FinTech Growth Fund has been launched to support Ghanaian-owned fintech companies, addressing financial needs and promoting innovation in the industry.
Recent Operation
This announcement follows a successful INTERPOL-led operation that dismantled cybercrime rings across Africa, resulting in 260 arrests in 14 countries. Ghana’s participation in the operation led to 68 arrests and the seizure of 835 items, including SIM cards, forged documents, and USB drives. The operation uncovered scams causing $2.8 million in losses to 1,463 victims globally ¹.
Government’s Stance
Mahama stressed that cybercrime is a shared responsibility and urged parents, educators, and community leaders to discourage young people from engaging in fraudulent activities. He emphasized the need for collaboration with international partners to ensure Ghana remains compliant with global standards in the fight against cybercrime.