Accra, 18 April, Ghanadot/GNA -
Ghana Media Advocacy Programme (G-MAP), a child rights Non
Governmental Organization (NGO), has urged government to as
matter of urgency enact a law to prevent children from using
cyber or computer to commit fraud, prostitution and other
sexual offences in the country.
The NGO observed that whilst organisations, development
partners and government invested in information
communication technology (ICT), to facilitate education and
development, some children were using the facility to engage
in theft and immoral activities.
A statement signed by Mr Abdul Malik Jeleel, Executive
Director of G-MAP, drew the attention of parents and
guardians saying: “Apart from the computer, some adventurous
children are currently using sophisticated mobile phones and
other communication gadgets to commit fraud and source
pornographic materials.”
It called for adequate supervision of children’s usage of
mobile phones and ICT facilities, especially online services
and monitoring of their activities even at the earliest
ages.
The statement noted that the involvement of children,
especially those in the urban areas, could bring them in
conflict with the law, thereby retarding their progress.
It cited Nima, Mamobi, North Kaneshie and Madina all suburbs
of Accra with ICT concentration, as cyber crime prone areas
and indicated that “children of school going age abandon
school to engage in computer-generated fraud to get rich
quick or to manipulate the equipment for pleasure.”
The statement said children were vulnerable and needed
protection from adults against activities that could affect
their mental and physical wellbeing.
It said cyber fraud among children if not eliminated could
dent the country’s image locally and internationally.
The statement urged the Ministry of Women and Children’s
Affairs and its partners in development to intensify action
on the National Children Vulnerability Assessment and
Advocacy Campaign.
It indicated that the campaign aimed at sensitizing
vulnerable children as well as instituting a legislation
that would empower cyber operators to regulate or monitor
children’s activities on the internet and to prohibit them
for using the facility during school hours.
The statement also appealed to the media, civil society
groups, religious organizations, and politicians to support
the fight against cyber fraud among children.
It advised children to avoid computer-generated fraud and
social vices and take advantage of the availability of ICT
and the huge investment being made by their parents and
government in their education, to acquire knowledge and
skills required for national development.
GNA
