Increased involvement of teenagers in 'Sakawa' at Berekum

Parents within the Berekum Municipality of the Brong Ahafo region have bemoaned the growing trend at which teenagers are getting involved in cyber crime popularly referred to as Sakawa in the local parlance.

Many are particularly worried about the upsurge in the trend of Sakawa activities which has led to many pupils of Junior High Schools in the area being recruited into the ‘game’

According to civil society organizations in the area, some of the students are the final year students and instead of focusing on their studies, are pursuing their quest to get rich fast; a development that stares authorities in the face with little efforts to curb the situation.

Children between the ages of 15 and 18 are mostly seen at internet cafes browsing for preys with most reportedly engaging in voodoo just to woo their victims into duping them through this internet scam.

A worried mother whose 16-year old has been recruited into Sakawa said the boy has suddenly become arrogant and disrespectful because he sees himself as rich.

“Berekum is fast becoming a hub for Sakawa with these kids. They are prepared to go at all lengths to make the money and I think this isn’t good for their future. Let us continue to pray and counsel our wards and partner teachers to help shape these children. My 16-year old son was recently recruited and I cannot fathom why he will join that company”, she decried.

Another parent who spoke about the matter said “It is worst in the JHSs with these children seen going to Mallams. It is greed and bad company. They influence these boys to make them feel that life is all about money irrespective of how you make it. These boys in Berekum are very disrespectful because they feel they are rich and have bought vehicles and driving carelessly on the streets with impunity”.

The district directorate of education has however hinted of unveiling plans to curb the growing incidence of Sakawa in Berekum and its environs to safeguard the future of children the area in the wake of their poor performance at the BECE level.