An Examination of Cybercrime in Ghana and Its Implications for the Ghanaian in the International Community

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Date

2021

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Universityof Ghana

Abstract

Several studies on cybercrime focus on cybercrime and its consequences on the state, however very little attention has been paid to the impact of cybercrime on individuals and their international engagement. Anecdotal evidence from countries such as Nigeria and Russia suggest that the activities of a few cyber criminals have a grave impact on innocent citizens. The internet is a global community, thus crime in cyberspace is automatically globalized. This has forced policymakers to come up with stringent policies that tackle cybercrime. Using the Theory of Externalities and the Space Transition Theory, this work posits that the internet provides a safe space for people to commit crimes against others they may never interface with. These crimes lead to the innocent public suffering from the activities. This research, therefore, sought to examine the impact of cybercrime on Ghanaians as well as the Ghanaian community abroad. The study employed a qualitative method involving two focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with experts. One of the focus groups involved Ghanaians living abroad, while the other with experts in the field of cybercrime and its associated negative externalities. Further, a one-on-one in-depth interview was conducted among key stakeholders to explore the issue in detail. The findings of the research revealed that cybercrime has a negative externality on Ghanaians living in abroad, as well as on the image of the country. Findings also showed that there was discrimination against Ghanaians due to being perceived as a cybercriminal because of cases blown up in the media involving Ghanaians who had committed cybercrime. The study recommends a deliberate effort by the government in reducing the prevalence of cybercrime by proactively enhancing its cybersecurity framework. This should include the development of comprehensive, locally tailored legislation, widespread public awareness campaign, fostering robust public-private collaborations, crafting unique national cybersecurity strategy, prioritizing international cooperation, making substantial investments in cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies, encouraging indigenous research and innovation in cybersecurity, and implementing a streamlined and accessible reporting system for cybercrime incidents. Further, the Cyber Crime Unit and Digital Forensic Laboratory of the Ghana Police Service should actively promote the reporting of cybercriminal activities and, critically, prioritize expeditious prosecution measures. Ensuring timely and swift legal action not only serves as a deterrent but also enhances the confidence of whistleblowers in the effectiveness of the legal system. These would lead to an improvement of the image of the Ghanaian in the international community

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cybercrime, international engagement, Nigeria, Russia

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