Accra: TECHz – News Desk
In a major step toward safeguarding its younger generation in the digital space, Ghana is accelerating efforts to protect children from online abuse through a deepened partnership between the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) and UNICEF Ghana.
Recent dialogues between the two organizations have underscored the urgency of advancing Ghana’s cyber resilience. UNICEF Ghana’s Chief of Child Protection, Ms. Lucia Soleti, recently reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to safe digital environments during a meeting with the newly appointed Acting Director-General of the CSA, Mr. Divine Selase Agbeti. Mr. Agbeti articulated the CSA’s vision to position Ghana as a regional cybersecurity hub, noting that child online protection remains a primary focus demanding sustained multi-sectoral collaboration.
To effectively tackle cyber predators and ensure swift justice, a proposal is underway to establish a dedicated forensic laboratory at the CSA, alongside plans to introduce a specialist cybercrime court designed to expedite investigations and case resolutions. The CSA is calling for expanded local and international training opportunities for Ghanaian cybersecurity professionals to stay ahead of emerging threats, while continuing to support youth-driven initiatives like the National Cybersecurity Challenge.
Ghana’s proactive stance is firmly anchored in the Cybersecurity Act 2020 (Act 1038), a legislative milestone developed with significant support from UNICEF Ghana. This Act replaces outdated frameworks and provides the explicit legal basis to identify, address, and criminalize Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OCSEA), empowering the government to take decisive action against digital predators.
Further bolstering these efforts, UNICEF Ghana is utilizing targeted funding from the Safe Online initiative to develop a comprehensive National Plan of Action. This strategy seamlessly integrates child protection into Ghana’s broader national cybersecurity agenda and supports the establishment of the first child protection digital forensics lab specifically for the Ghana Police Service.
Beyond legal and forensic frameworks, the CSA and UNICEF are actively engaging local communities to build grassroots digital literacy. Initiatives operating under the broader “Safer Digital Ghana” campaign have successfully educated over 160,000 students on how to navigate the internet safely. To make these lessons resonate, educators are utilizing innovative methods, including dynamic theatre performances.
These interactive sessions help students grasp the seriousness of online exploitation and teach them the critical steps to take – such as confiding in a trusted adult – when facing digital threats. As the newly launched National Child Online Protection Framework continues its nationwide rollout, the united front presented by the CSA and UNICEF ensures that Ghana’s children are protected by stringent laws, supported by advanced forensics, and empowered to thrive in a secure digital ecosystem.
