The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) funded by Conference of Western Attorney Generals, Africa Alliance Partnership (CWAG/AAP) has organised a two-day workshop for 50 detectives on cybercrime and electronic evidence in Accra.

The workshop was held at Sunlodge Hotel in Tesano from Monday, 27^th May, 2019 to Tuesday, 28^th May, 2019. Participants were drawn from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) Bureau of National Investigation, Attorney-General’s Department, Judicial Service and Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC).

The programme was aimed at building the capacity of relevant stakeholders within the criminal justice system. It is also to strengthen collaboration, operation and partnership among state agencies to address cyber threats in the country.

At the opening ceremony, the Director-General of CID, Commissioner of Police (COP) Madam Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, the CID would have a new digital forensic laboratory at the end of 2019. She indicated that the CID for some time now has been relying on private institutions for forensic analyses which affects their work.

COP Madam Addo-Danquah stated that the incessant cyber-attacks are negatively affecting companies, government and individuals financially. She further explained that in 2018 Cyber-Security Venture Report cybercrimes would shoot up to $6 trillion by 2021. This amount she added includes everything from damage of sensitive data, to stolen moneys, to lost productivity and to theft of intellectual properties.

The Director of the Cybercrime Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department, Chief Superintendent Dr. Gustave Herbert Yankson bemoaned the spate of cyber security attacks in Ghana. He added that the recent rate of cyber-attacks was alarming because they tend to have an adverse effect on businesses and society as a whole. According to him, five (5) internet service providers have been attacked in the first quarter of the year.

The Board Chairman of CWAG/AAP, Mr. Marcus Green applauded the CID for joining hands with them to organise the programme and assured their continuous support to CID.

The President of the Ghana Bar Association, Mr. Anthony Forson stressed on the need for continuous desire to acquire knowledge in a chosen field to stay relevant. He called on participants to uphold their values and work diligently because the public looked up to them to prosecute cases and ensure justice.

Some of the topics studied were sextortion, child pornography, fake adverts and copyright offences.