Ghana’s judiciary is taking bold steps to confront the rising threat of cybercrime as the nation’s digital economy expands rapidly across West Africa. In Accra this week, over 60 judges, prosecutors, and investigators participated in two Commonwealth symposiums aimed at sharpening their skills in handling cybercrime cases that affect both citizens and businesses. The training was supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and coordinated by the Commonwealth Secretariat.
The sessions brought together justice and security experts from several agencies to build stronger collaboration against digital threats. Through simulated real-world cases, participants tested how Ghana’s legal and international frameworks respond to cyberattacks in practice. Discussions also focused on the complexities of managing digital evidence and ensuring cross-border cooperation when prosecuting offenders.
Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director General of the Criminal Investigation Department, stressed that Ghana’s approach to cybercrime must be anchored on “policy, protection, and partnership.” She explained that laws must evolve with technology, and agencies must work hand-in-hand to gather and present credible digital evidence. Donkor also revealed that a proposal to create specialised cybercrime courts had been sent to the Attorney General’s office, noting that proper judicial training would be crucial to their success.
High Court Judge Justice Patricia Quansah described the training as an important milestone in helping judges understand the technical side of digital evidence. “The training provided practical tools to assess whether electronic evidence has been tampered with,” she said. “It will help us deliver justice to victims and impose fair but deterrent sentences on offenders.”
Chief Inspector Nancy Paintsil, a cybercrime prosecutor, called the programme “an eye-opener.” She said it deepened her knowledge of how the collection and preservation of digital evidence affect its acceptance in court. Her insights reflect a broader movement across Ghana’s legal system to modernise courtroom practices in the digital age.
In a recorded message, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey praised the progress Ghana has made. She noted that earlier training sessions had led to a 50% improvement in how judicial officers handle electronic evidence. “Now we extend this achievement to High Court Judges,” she said. “Their leadership will be vital to ensuring that Ghana’s digital future remains safe and inclusive.”
Supreme Court Justice Omoro Tanko Amadu, who leads the Judicial Training Institute, highlighted the importance of continuous learning. “The judiciary is the final line of defence against cybercrime,” he said. “We must keep pace with evolving technology to safeguard our citizens.”
Cybercrime continues to be a growing challenge across Africa, with Interpol reporting a steady rise in online attacks year after year. Hooman Nouruzi, Head of Political and Governance at the British High Commission in Accra, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the fight against cybercrime requires joint action. “By working together, we can strengthen our legal frameworks and build the capacity needed to prevent and prosecute these crimes,” he said.
This marks the third Commonwealth-led symposium on cybercrime and electronic evidence held in Ghana since 2023 — a clear sign that the nation is taking its digital security future seriously and preparing its judiciary to meet the demands of a connected world.
