22,000 Child Sexual Abuse Materials Shared in Ghana – Survey 2022

Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Director General of the Cyber ​​Security Authority (CSA)

According to the Cyber ​​Security Authority, about 64 percent of school-going children in the country are at risk of sexual exploitation online.

According to the authority, a 2022 survey in Ghana found that more than 22,000 types of child pornography materials were generated and shared online, indicating a need to address the problem.

The Lead Child Online Protector at the authority, Mrs. Herrietta Asamoah, was named during the National Cyber ​​Security Challenge 2024 for selected schools in the Middle Zone.

The theme was: ‘Empowering youth, creating opportunities: promoting a safe digital Ghana.’

According to Ms Asamoah, the aim of the challenge which was launched in 2022 was to raise awareness among children so that they can stay safe online and become credible advocates to spread the gospel across the country.

She said the authority had expanded its reach from six schools to 70 schools in 2022 and expressed hope that the next investigation would yield fewer cases involving child exploitation material produced, shared and distributed online in the country.

According to Simon Amoh, Senior Manager Regional Sales for MTN’s Northern Business District, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is an area that requires special attention.

“It is a double-edged sword whose unprecedented speed increases our defense capabilities, and can also be used by malicious actors to develop more sophisticated cyber attacks,” he said.

He stressed the importance of embracing advanced technologies, advising: “We must ensure that we use the Internet ethically and responsibly.”

He encouraged participants to think about cybersecurity solutions that would have a positive impact on Ghana and contribute to the “safer digital Ghana we all envision”.

Mr Amoh told them that cybersecurity is not just about protecting data, but also about ensuring the trust and integrity of the digital society.

He commended the Cyber ​​​​Security Authority, participants and all stakeholders who made this crucial event possible for the third time in a row. He added that digital literacy and cyber security have become very important due to the rapid advancement of technology and increasing sophisticated threats.

He believed that events like the competition would promote a culture of awareness and learning, which would prevent students from falling victim to cyber attacks.

Five schools took part in the challenge, with Serwaa Kese SHS being declared the champion of the middle zone with 37 points.

Kintampo SHS had 27 points, Prempeh College 26 points, Berekum SHS 21 points and Sefwi Bekwai SHS 16 points.