The Member of Parliament (MP) for Klottey-Korle, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has called for urgent and multi-dimensional measures to address the alarming rise in cybercrime across the country.
The MP in a statement she made on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, highlighted the growing menace of online fraud and its devastating impact on individuals and society.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings lamented encountering cybercriminals, who have created numerous fake accounts impersonating her on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp.
She said despite having verified the accounts, the fraudulent activities persisted, affecting her and others, and causing severe financial and reputational harm to unsuspecting victims.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings called for harsher legislation, and enhanced public education to tackle cyber threats.
She expressed concern about the delays in response from social media platforms to reports of fake accounts, and the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals, who exploit technological gaps and evade prosecution.
The MP criticised the disconnect between the current judicial system and the fluid nature of cybercrime.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings cited that overwhelming evidence against cybercriminals, failed to result in justice.
She explained that this has created a sense of impunity among offenders, who continued to exploit victims psychologically and financially.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings advocated enhanced collaboration between law enforcement agencies such as the Ghana Police Service, the Cyber Security Authority, and the Bureau of National Communications under the National Security Ministry.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings stressed the importance of interagency cooperation, intelligence sharing, and the use of advanced technology to identify and apprehend cybercriminals.
Touching on examples of organised crimes in Ghana, including high-profile kidnappings and drug trafficking, the MP underscored the need to address the direct link between cybercrime and other criminal activities.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings proposed the establishment of specialised cybercrime courts, to handle complex digital cases, which would expedite trials and provide thorough adjudication, while also serving as a deterrent to criminals.
She recommended the acquisition of advanced surveillance tools, such as International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers, to enhance the investigative capabilities of law enforcement agencies.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings acknowledged concerns about potential abuse of such technology, and called for strict regulations and oversight to safeguard citizens’ privacy and civil liberties.
The MP also urged Parliament to consider enacting legislation to compel social media companies to take stronger action against criminal activities on their platforms.
Additionally, she stressed the need for public education to discourage financial transactions via social media and to raise awareness about online safety.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings noted that a comprehensive approach, combining legal reforms, advanced technology, and public awareness, was essential to combat cybercrime effectively.
She urged the government to prioritise these measures to protect citizens and maintain public trust in digital platforms.
BY RAISSA SAMBOU