Ghana Establishes Cybersecurity Taskforce to Tackle Social Media Conflict in Bawku
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) of Ghana has launched a Special Cybersecurity Taskforce in Bawku to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals using social media to incite violence in the area. This initiative aims to address the growing misuse of digital platforms to escalate tensions in Bawku and its surrounding regions.
Citizens are encouraged to report any digital evidence, including audio recordings, photos, or social media accounts promoting violence or unrest, to the taskforce via WhatsApp at 050 160 3111. The evidence will be thoroughly examined, and appropriate actions will be taken against those found guilty of incitement.
To strengthen its efforts, the taskforce is engaging with ambassadors and high commissioners from countries where some of these perpetrators may reside. The goal is to report these individuals and work towards their extradition to Ghana to face charges under anti-terrorism laws and international conventions on genocide.
President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Cyber Security Authority to work closely with National Security in this endeavor. The directive underscores the government’s commitment to curbing the misuse of social media in fuelling violent conflicts, particularly in Bawku in the Upper East Region and Walewale in the North East Region.
This move also highlights Ghana’s broader strategy to ensure peace and security through a crackdown on online activities that threaten national unity and stability.