Ghana engages global partners on cybercrime, trafficking at UN Congress

Ghana has participated in the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from September 26 to October 1, 2026.

The congress, held under the theme, “Accelerating crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law: protecting people and planet and achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the digital age,” brought together participants to discuss global challenges in crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law.

In a Facebook post, Ghana’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna, Matilda Alomatu Osei-Agyeman, described Ghana’s participation as an “inspiring and rewarding moment”, highlighting the relevance of the congress to the country’s priorities.

She noted that discussions on terrorism, cybercrime, organised fraud, drug and firearms trafficking, environmental crimes, money laundering, terrorism financing, electronic evidence and virtual assets were of significant importance to Ghana.

Osei-Agyeman also stressed the growing role of technology in criminal activities, particularly the misuse of artificial intelligence, saying these developments have direct implications for Ghana’s law enforcement, criminal justice and regulatory institutions.

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She said the emphasis on international cooperation, partnerships, technical assistance, capacity building and training was particularly important to Ghana.

According to her, the congress provided Ghana with opportunities to identify areas for technical assistance and capacity building, including cybercrime and digital forensics, financial investigations and asset recovery, electronic evidence, crime data collection and analysis, specialised investigative techniques, border-related crime, illicit trafficking and the responsible use of technology in criminal justice.

Osei-Agyeman also expressed appreciation to some of the Ghanaian officials who participated in the congress.

“Appreciation to Excellency Hammed Rashid Tunde, Ambassador of Ghana, Abu Dhabi UAE, Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director General, Criminal Investigation Department, Ghana Police Service, Patience Baffoe Bonnie, Director-General of Ghana Prisons Service, Joseph Oklu Gyamera - Director, General of Legal and Prosecutions, Ghana Police Service and Esther Atuahene - Chief Superintendent of Prisons, Ghana Prisons Service,” the post read.

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