Ghana to leverage on IAC-GIFCT appointment to aid cybercrime fight – Antwi-Boasiako

Ghana is expected to gain leverage in developing its cybersecurity efforts following its recent appointment as a member of the Independent Advisory Committee (IAC) of the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT), the head of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has said.

According to Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, the selection will also enhance Ghana’s active engagement at the regional and international level to promote the responsible use of the internet.

Speaking in a video call interview with GhanaWeb on June 16, 2020, Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako said “It will give us leverage in terms of dialogue at the international level, offer best practices in the cybersecurity space and facilitate direct engagement for lower and possible criminal actions that will strengthen our response to counter terrorism”

“I must indicate that the Ministry of National Security has actually come out with a framework to counter terrorism in the country and if as a nation we’ve been privileged to be nominated to serve alongside other countries like the U.S, Great Britain, France, Canada and other countries, it gives us a leverage in terms of building our cybersecurity efforts, collaborations and dialogue,” he explained.

Dr. Antwi-Boasiako however assured that his outfit, while focusing on individual rights and liberties of citizens will continue to work towards allaying possible infractions in the domestic cyberspace.

Minister for Communications, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful in February 2020 said government was in the process of passing a comprehensive law on Cybersecurity which aims to regulate the ethical use of the internet and protect the safety of Ghanaians online.

The comprehensive Cybersecurity law is projected to be in place by the end of this year.

Background

The Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT) was established in July 2017 by a group of companies dedicated to disrupting terrorists’ abuse and misuse of member platforms.

The Independent Advisory Committee (IAC) is part of the GIFCT that serves as a consultative body dedicated to maximizing the effectiveness of the GIFCT and establishing engagements among government, civil society, and industry.

The IAC is composed of government representatives, technical experts, civil society leaders, advocacy groups, human rights specialists and researchers.

IAC members are selected by GIFCT’s Operating Board, composed of GIFCT’s four founding member companies: Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter and YouTube.