By Caleb Kuleke, GNA
Ho, Oct.13, GNA – Mama Bobi III, a sub-Queenmother of Ho-Bankoe in the Asogli State of the Volta Region, has been elected to serve on the Bureau of the Council of Europe’s Cybercrime Convention Committee (T-CY).
Known in private life as Angela Aseye Attachie, Mama Bobi is also a distinguished judge, and her election to the prestigious body is a strong testament to her rich judicial experience and deep legal expertise.
The T-CY plays a critical role in supporting countries as they implement the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and strengthen international cooperation regarding cross-border investigations and digital evidence.
As the governing arm, the Bureau sets out the strategic direction and priorities for the Committee, ensuring the effective enforcement of the Budapest Convention globally.
Mama Bobi’s election grants Ghana a more prominent voice on the global stage in the fight against cybercrime and marks a significant milestone for Ghana’s judicial leadership and international diplomatic presence.
The Budapest Convention (officially the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime) is the first legally binding international treaty designed to address internet and computer-related crimes.
It achieves this by harmonising national laws, improving investigative capabilities, and boosting global cooperation.
Drafted by the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France, the treaty was opened for signature in Budapest, Hungary, in November 2001 and officially entered into force on July 1, 2004.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mama Bobi said that serving on the Bureau would enrich her professional experience and allow her to gain valuable knowledge to help Ghana tackle cyber threats.
She expressed appreciation to the United States of America for nominating her for the position and the supporting nations including Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Cape Verde, Vanuatu, and Côte d’Ivoire for endorsing her candidacy.
Mama Bobi noted that her election reflected Ghana’s stellar reputation in the international fight against cybercrime, which inspired a global superpower like the US to nominate a Ghanaian candidate for the role.
The Queenmother stated that being internationally recognised and granted a seat on this platform was a truly humbling moment.
She said the recognition was also an endorsement of her hard work and that she was incredibly proud to represent Ghana on the Bureau and stood ready to contribute her expertise to combat global cybercrime.
Drawing on more than a decade of experience on the bench, Mama Bobi noted that she hoped to offer the Bureau a unique judicial perspective.
The Queenmother emphasised that because the courtroom was the final arbiter for cyber cases, understanding judicial nuances was critical.
She pointed out that investigative bodies sometimes struggle to handle digital evidence in a manner that meets strict legal criteria, occasionally leading to the acquittal and discharge of offenders.
To bridge this gap, Mama Bobi aimed to bring a practical, African perspective to the Bureau, highlighting exactly what judges require from investigators when cyber cases finally reach the courtroom.
Mama Bobi currently is a judge at the Adenta Circuit Court, Accra.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo