Ghana signs the 2nd additional protocol to the convention on Cybercrime(Budapest Convention)
Ghana took a significant step towards strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure by signing the Council of Europe’s Second Additional protocol to the convention on cybercime (Budapest convention) .
Ghana ratified the Budapest convention in April 2019 and is one of six African countries to do so.On Wednesday, June 28 2023, the Honorable Minister for communications and Digtalisation, Mrs. Usual Owusu Ekuful, signed the protocol on behalf of Ghana at the council of Europe Headquarters in Strasbourg, France Ghana is 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 cyberimes through strengthening international cooperation and providing an opportunity for Member States to work together effectively.
She applauded the council for the recent workshop and public consultation held on June 8 and 9,2023, in Ghana, which created the platform for relevant stakeholder s to deliberate and obtain a better understanding of the principles of the Protocol. The Minister bemoaned the territorial boundaries, only a few cybercime cases are reported to criminal justice authorities, leading to criminal justice actions.
She, however, that “the protocol respond to the see challenges by providing the tools for enhanced Co-operation and disclosure of electronic evidence. “She further explained that “the adoption and disclosure of electronic evidence “. She investigation efforts and lead to more adjudication of cybercime case, globally “. The Minister, who was accompanied by the Director. General of the Cyber. Security Authority (CSA) , Dr Albert Antwi- Boasiako, and the Ag Director, Capacity Building and Awareness Creation at the CSA, Mr. Alexander Oppong, pledge Ghana’s commitment to taking the “necessary step 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 witnesses the signing of the protocol by Hungary Cab Verde, signed the Amending protocol to the convention for protection of individuals on Personnel Data’s well as the second Additional protocol as Slovak Republic, also deposited the instrument of ratification of the first Additional Protocol.
Ghana’s designation as a hub country under the Global Action on Cybercime
