The Member of Parliament (MP) for Klottey-Korle, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has called for a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to tackle the growing issue of cybercrime in Ghana.
Speaking in Parliament, the MP highlighted the alarming rise in online fraud and its damaging consequences on both individuals and society at large.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings shared her personal experience with cybercriminals who have created fake social media accounts impersonating her on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp. Despite her accounts being verified, these fraudulent activities persist, causing both financial and reputational harm to unsuspecting victims.
The MP emphasized the urgent need for stricter legislation and more robust public education to combat cybercrime. She expressed concern over the slow response from social media companies when fake accounts are reported and noted that cybercriminals have become increasingly sophisticated, exploiting gaps in technology and evading prosecution.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings also criticized the disconnect between the judicial system and the evolving nature of cybercrime, citing instances where overwhelming evidence against offenders did not lead to convictions.
This lack of accountability has fostered a sense of impunity among criminals, allowing them to continue exploiting victims.
She called for greater collaboration between key law enforcement agencies, including the Ghana Police Service, the Cyber Security Authority, and the Bureau of National Communications, under the Ministry of National Security.
According to the MP, intelligence sharing and the use of advanced technology are crucial in identifying and apprehending cybercriminals.
Drawing connections between cybercrime and other forms of organized crime, such as kidnappings and drug trafficking, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings stressed the need to address the broader impact of digital criminal activities.
She proposed the creation of specialized cybercrime courts to expedite the handling of complex digital cases, ensuring swift trials and serving as a deterrent to potential offenders.
Additionally, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings suggested the acquisition of advanced surveillance tools, such as International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers, to enhance law enforcement’s investigative capabilities.
While acknowledging concerns about the potential misuse of such technologies, she called for strict oversight and regulation to protect citizens’ privacy and civil liberties.
