Ghana can lose investors through cyber fraud – DSP Baah
Accra, June 21, Ghanadot/GNA
– Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Francis Baah, Head
of Document and Visa Fraud Unit, said Ghana risked losing
investors if cyber crime, popularly called Sakawa, was not
eliminated.
He said victims were mostly foreigners and expressed the
fear that prospective investors might doubt the genuineness
of companies and other economic entities in the country, and
avoid dealing with them.
DSP Baah was speaking at a forum on internet fraud,
organised by Global Youth Action Network (GYAN), an
international network of youth non-governmental
organisations (NGOs), for selected Senior High Schools (SHSs)
in the Accra Metropolis, under the theme: “The Internet
Fraud (Sakawa) Syndrome and the Future of the Ghanaian
Youth”, in Accra.
The participating schools were Accra Academy, Accra High,
Labone School, Wesley Grammar School, Kimbu School, O’rielly
School, Great Lamptey Mills School and Catholic Social
Advanced Institute.
DSP Baah said cyber fraud was sophisticated and the Police
would require the support of other security agencies,
parents, traditional authorities and religious organisations
in fighting the canker.
He expressed worry that the practice was prevalent among
teenage male students but gave the assurance that “the
Police were adopting pro-active strategies to dismantle the
syndicate aside periodic patrols to internet cafes in
suspected areas.”
DSP Baah said instead of studying to acquire skills and
knowledge for national development, beneficiaries of the
crime abandoned the classroom and engaged in dangerous,
frightening and profligate lifestyles.
He said after losing their ill-gotten loot, society might
suffer the wrath of cyber criminals, who would be compelled
to engage in crimes such as armed robbery to sustain their
lifestyles.
DSP Baah urged school authorities to sensitise students
about the legal implications of cyber fraud and the effects
on their development.
DSP Felix Mawusi, Second in Command, Commercial Crime Unit
at the Police Headquarters, reminded the youth that even
though cyber fraud did not involve physical violence, “It
can be described as cyber terrorism and the punishment is
also harsh like other serious crimes.”
He said the youth should not be swollen-headed because
society tagged them as future leaders.
DSP Felix Mawusi said that the youth were not automatic
future leaders and explained that only those who would avoid
crimes and study hard to acquire knowledge, skills and
professions would get the opportunity to lead the next
generation.
He said: “At your age you do not need to chase wealth and
luxuries such as flashy cars. Life is not all about wealth
and romance. It is the duty of your parents to provide you
with basic needs and your responsibility is to focus and
learn.”
Mr. Kwame Anane Frempong, Country Director of GYAN-Ghana,
said that Ghana had been blacklisted on many websites
particularly e-commence sites because of the prevalence of
cyber fraud in the country.
“What it means is that legitimate transactions originating
from the country can not take place on the internet and this
call for urgent attention to be directed at reducing or
eliminating cyber fraud”.
Mr. Frempong appealed to government to provide the right
framework to support and encourage young people to equip
themselves with skills to be able to play even and compete
on the global job market.
A book on cyber fraud entitled: “High Way Narrow Way” was
launched.
The network of youth NGOs envisions millions of young people
working together towards a more just, peaceful and
sustainable world, where the youth are seen as key
stakeholders and are active participants in the design of
their future.
It believes that critical issues facing the world require
every generation’s attention and action, and the youth are
instrumental in movements for positive social change.
GNA
