Government to introduce Cyber Security Bill - Mr Iddrisu

Accra, May 19, GNA - Government will soon put before parliament a Cyber Security Bill for consideration, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Communications, said on Tuesday.

He said the bill was part of efforts to check the rising internet fraud which had become rampant among the youth. Speaking at the Meet-The-Press the minister said the bill would empower the security agencies and other organizations to wage an effective war against cyber crime in the country if passed. The minister said, the government was worried over the high rate of cyber fraud also known as "Sakawa" and one of the effective ways to deal with the situation was to pass laws that would make the trade less attractive to the perpetrators.

"Government does not support cyber crime and other criminal activities and we will deal ruthlessly with any individual or organization caught in the act," the Minister said. Mr Iddrisu said the National Communications Authority (NCA) would also embark on regular monitoring exercises on internet service providers to check their activities. Those found to be a hub for cyber criminals would have their licenses revoked and that new applicants would be thoroughly scrutinized before approval.

Mr Iddrisu said his outfit, in collaboration with the security agencies, would soon introduce a Cyber Emergency Response Team to monitor activities of criminals for the necessary action. He said the government cannot be successful in attempts to clamp down on crime if it did not get the support of the entire society and therefore called on service providers, security agencies and all stakeholders to assist in fighting the crime.