Ghana 2nd In Cybercrime In Africa – But Omane Boama Refutes Claim

Communication Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has rejected reports that Ghana ranks second in the area of cyber-crime on the continent, insisting no evidence has been produced to back such a claim.

Ghana is currently battling to get a grip on the activities of cyber fraudsters commonly referred to as ‘Sakawa,’ whose activities appear to be giving the country a bad name in the international community.

Accounting firm, Deloitte and Touche IT Auditor, Jesse Arthur, in 2013, cited the lack of password policy by most service providers and other internet-based related companies and other deterring legislations as some of the challenges confronting the country in addressing the cyber security issues in the country.

The ministry of communication has consistently warned the public to be mindful of activities of those engaged in the practice (Sakawa).

The ministry is at the moment working with the Commonwealth to draw a plan to close down on those involved in the practice, both here in Ghana and outside.

Most researchers believe those involved in the practice often have collaborators outside the shores of Ghana.

“I’m willing to change my position only if the evidence has been put before me,” Dr. Omane Boamah told stakeholders at a day’s forum organised by the Alliance for Affordable Internet.

Touching on broadband affordability, Dr. Omane Boamah said the contention “on broadband affordability is how to ensure universal broadband usage at all times at speeds capable of guaranteeing adequate capacity usage, especially during peak times and affordable price irrespective of geographic location. Ghana’s broadband policy defines broadband as bandwidth that provides internet speeds greater than 2 megabits per second by 2020; not only tackle cyber-crime in the country but across the sub-region. Most researchers point to outside collaboration.”

Dr. Omane-Boamah added that he will revise his position only when the right figures have been put before him.

On the issue of broadband affordability, he called on service providers to ensure uninterrupted access to broadband to users.