By Edward Dankwah
Accra, Oct. 24, GNA – The Ghana Internet Safety Foundation (GISF), has described the newly launched Ghana Child Online Protection Framework, as a regulatory game-changer and a significant step towards creating a safer online environment for children.
Mr Emmanuel Adinkra, the President and Chief Information Security Officer of GISF, expressed confidence in the framework, acknowledging its potential to transform the online space.
He said protecting children online ensured their safety, promoted healthy digital habits, and supported a more positive online experience.
The National Child Online Protection Framework was officially launched by the Second Lady, Hajia Mrs Samira Bawumia, to shield Children across the country from cybersecurity threats including cyberbullying and online abuse.
It was on the theme: “Empowering Young Minds: Creating Opportunities, Promoting a Safer Digital Ghana,” with the launch forming part of the grand finale of the 2023 National Cybersecurity Challenge where St. Peters Senior High School was crowned the winner.
The competition was organised by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) in partnership with the Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation, with support from UNICEF, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Ghana Internet Safety Foundation and other key partners
Mr Adinkra said, “Child online protection was essential because children were increasingly using the internet for education, entertainment, and social interaction, exposing them to potential dangers and without adequate safeguards, they may encounter some risks”.
He said children could be victims of online harassment, which could lead to emotional distress and, in severe cases, mental health issues.
Again, they may also inadvertently come across age-inappropriate material, such as violent, sexual, or otherwise harmful content, which could impact their development.
“The anonymity of the internet enables predators to exploit children through grooming or other harmful behaviours,” explaining that children often did not fully understand the consequences of sharing personal information online, making them vulnerable to identity theft, fraud, or exploitation.
He said without proper guidance, children might access and believe false or misleading information, affecting their education and worldview.
Developed in alignment with the initiatives of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), WeProtect Global Alliance and UNICEF, the framework was designed to provide a safer and more empowering online experience for Ghanaian children.
Mrs Bawumia emphasised the importance of the framework considering the increasing cybersecurity risks faced by children globally, including in Ghana.
She cited the Global Online Safety Survey conducted by Microsoft, showing that 49 per cent of teenagers worldwide experienced medium to severe negative online encounters, such as cyberbullying, harassment, and abuse, underscoring the need for this framework.
“The Child Online Protection Framework provides a comprehensive approach, recognising the diverse aspects of online safety and addressing the unique challenges our children face in the digital landscape,” Mrs Bawumia said.
She called for stronger collaboration between key stakeholders to tackle cybersecurity threats impacting children.
Dr Albert Antwi-Boasiako, the Director General of the CSA, said the adoption of the framework would enhance the authority’s efforts to implement measures that protected digital lives of Ghanaian.
He said regulations on child online protection, which supported the implementation of Sections 62-66 and other relevant parts of the Cybersecurity Act 2020, would be completed by the end of the year.
Dr Antwi-Boasiako said plans were underway to establish a National Steering Committee for the National Cybersecurity Challenge, which would provide strategic direction and ensure a more inclusive and structured processes for selecting participating senior high schools for subsequent competitions.
GNA