Ghana ratified the Budapest Convention in April 2019 and is one of six African countries to do so. Last  Wednesday, the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, signed the protocol on behalf of Ghana at the Council of Europe Headquarters in Strasbourg, France, being the second African country, following Mauritius, to sign the Protocol.

In her opening remarks, Mrs Owusu-Ekuful expressed Ghana’s appreciation to the Council of Europe for its relentless efforts towards a global response to cybercrimes through strengthening international cooperation and providing an opportunity for Member States to work together effectively.

She lauded the Council for the recent workshop and public consultation held on June 8 and 9, 2023, in Ghana, which created the platform for relevant stakeholders to deliberate and obtain a better understanding of the principles of the protocol. 

The minister said since the powers of officials in the criminal justice sectors were limited by territorial boundaries, only a few cybercrime cases were reported to criminal justice authorities, leading to criminal justice actions.

She, however, revealed that “the Protocol responds to these challenges by providing the tools for enhanced cooperation and disclosure of electronic evidence.” 

She further explained that “the adoption of the Protocol will strengthen cybercrime investigation efforts and lead to more adjudication of cybercrime cases, globally.”.

Building

The minister, who was accompanied by the Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Dr Albert Antwi-Boasiako, and the Acting Director, Capacity Building and Awareness Creation, at the CSA, Alexander Oppong, pledged Ghana’s commitment to taking the “necessary steps towards the full implementation of the articles in the Protocol and will continue to count on the Council of Europe on this partnership”. 

The brief ceremony also witnessed the signing of the Protocol by Hungary. Cabo Verde signed the Amending Protocol to the Convention for Protection of Individuals on Personnel Data, as well as the Second Additional Protocol as Slovak Republic also deposited the instrument of ratification of the First Additional Protocol. 

Global Action

Ghana's designation as a hub country under the Global Action on Cybercrime Enhanced (GLACY-e) project highlights its role as a leader in cybersecurity. Ghana is one of the three hub countries in Africa, the others being Senegal and Mauritius, in recognition of its prior engagement with the GLACY+ project. The project is an extension of the GLACY+ project, with a projected duration of 30 months, from August 2023 to January 2026.

As a hub country, it will spearhead training programmes for law enforcement agencies, conduct case simulation exercises, organise awareness workshops and share best practices at regional and international levels. 

Through its involvement in the GLACY-e project, Ghana will gain access to targeted advice on training strategies.

By signing the Protocol and assuming the role of a hub country, the country reaffirms its commitment to combatting cybercrime, protecting its citizens and fostering international cooperation. 

These efforts align with its vision to establish a secure and resilient digital ecosystem, safeguarding its citizens and fostering economic growth in the digital age.