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The Cybersecurity Agency said about 64% of school-age children in the country are at risk of sexual exploitation on the internet.
According to the agency, a 2022 survey revealed that more than 22,000 pieces of child sexual exploitation material were generated and shared via the internet in Ghana, indicating the need to mitigate the problem.
The agency’s Chief Child Online Protection Officer, Ms Herrietta Asamoah, was speaking at the 2024 National Cyber Security Challenge for selected schools in the Central Region.
Its theme is “Empowering Youth, Creating Opportunities: Promoting a Safe Digital Ghana.”
Mrs Asamoah said the aim of the challenge launched in 2022 is to raise awareness among children and help them stay safe online so that they can become credible advocates for the spread of the Gospel across the country.
She said authorities have expanded the scope of the survey from six schools to 70 schools in 2022, and expressed hope that the number of cases of child exploitation materials produced, shared and distributed through the Internet in the country will decrease in the next survey.
Simon Amoh, senior manager of regional sales for the northern business zone at MTN, said one area that required particular attention was the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI).
“It’s a double-edged sword, its unprecedented speed strengthens our defenses, but it can also be exploited by malicious actors to launch more sophisticated cyberattacks,” he said.
He pointed out the importance of embracing advanced technology and suggested that “we must ensure that the internet is used ethically and responsibly.”
He encouraged contestants to think of cybersecurity solutions that can have a positive impact on Ghana and contribute to the “safer digital Ghana that we all envision.”
Mr Amoh told them that cybersecurity is not just about protecting data but also about maintaining the trust and integrity of the digital society.
He commended the Cybersecurity Agency, participants and all stakeholders for making this important event a success for the third time in a row, adding that with the rapid advancement of technology and the increasing number of sophisticated threats, digital literacy and cybersecurity have become extremely important.
He believes that events like the competition will foster a culture of awareness and learning, ensuring students do not fall victim to cyber attacks.
A total of five schools participated in the challenge and Serwaa Kese SHS was adjudged the Central Region Champion with 37 points.
Kintampo Secondary School scored 27 points, Prempeh College scored 26 points, Berekum Secondary School scored 21 points and Sevibequai Secondary School scored 16 points.
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