The Ghana Internet Safety Foundation (GISF) has called on stakeholders to take steps to safeguard Ghanaian children in the digital space.
The Foundation said parents and caregivers could create an open environment where children could discuss their online experiences.
Mr. Emmanuel Adinkra, Chief Information Security Officer and President of Ghana Internet Safety Foundation speaking ahead of the 11th edition of Safer Internet Day (SID) said parents could equip themselves with digital literacy skills to help guide children and mitigate online risks.
The event, which will be celebrated on February 11, 2025, is on the theme:”Together for a Better Internet.” This event emphasizes the need for collective action to ensure that every child can safely explore the digital world.
In 2024, Ghana made remarkable progress with the launch of the Child Online Protection (COP) Framework. It was championed by the Cybersecurity Authority under the auspices of the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization in collaboration with key stakeholders such as UNICEF Ghana, UNESCO, and other partners.
Mr. Adinkra said that built on the globally recognized, “We Protect Global Framework”, the initiative provided a comprehensive strategy to address online risks, promote child safety, and foster responsible internet use.
The President reckoned that despite these advancements, the challenges remain daunting. Reports compiled over the past 3 to 4 years indicate that over 22,000 cases of online child abuse have been documented in Ghana, including incidents of Online Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) cyberbullying, and financial sextortion.
He said they should also establish specialized judicial units to investigate and prosecute CSAM cases effectively.
He observed that these figures highlight the urgent need to strengthen systems that protect children from online exploitation and abuse. He, therefore, urged the government and policymakers to ensure the COP Framework was fully implemented and its benefits reaching every community.
Furthermore, he said educators and schools need to integrate online safety education into school curriculums, equipping children with knowledge to stay safe online. “Industry and Civil Society Organizations will have to collaborate on developing innovative solutions to tackle online child abuse and exploitation,” he added.
He also entreated them to strengthen awareness campaigns to empower children and caregivers to recognize and report online threats, while assuring that the Foundationremainsn steadfast in its mission to promote Child Online Protection in Ghana.
“Through partnerships, advocacy, and public education, GISF is committed to creating a safer and more inclusive internet for all Ghanaian children. Safer Internet Day 2025 is a rallying call for collective responsibility,” he added.
