Bagbin warns youth against internet fraud, calls for responsible use of technology

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has denounced the rising incidence of cybercrime and internet fraud in Ghana, cautioning the youth to desist from misusing the internet and use technology appropriately.

He warned that such practices undermined public trust, tarnished Ghana's image abroad, and could land offenders in serious trouble with the law.

The speaker expressed the concern in a statement delivered on his behalf by the Member of Parliament for Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa, Kobina Ghansah, at the global launch of the Student Workforce and Innovation Movement (SWIM) project at Asikuma.

The SWIM project, a global youth empowerment initiative, seeks to bridge the gap between education and work by equipping students and young people in Africa with contemporary skills and connecting them to paid employment opportunities.

Working in partnership with about 50 schools and universities globally as well as several governments, the project aims to remove geographical and technological barriers to give young people equal access to education, professional networks, digital skills, and employment offers, regardless of where they come from.

Already, more than 8,000 students across Africa have joined the platform to take part in a raft of courses, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, and data science and form friendships with their counterparts abroad.

Instead of engaging in cybercrime such as identity theft, online exploitation, and other criminal activities, he urged young people to use technology to build skills, solve problems, and earn legitimate wealth.

“It is unfortunate when platforms designed to facilitate learning, communication, and economic advancement are used for cybercrime, internet fraud, identity theft, online exploitation, and other unlawful or immoral activities,” the Speaker noted.

“The pursuit of quick and unearned financial gains must never be allowed to replace the values of honesty, hard work, and integrity,” he added.

The colourful event was graced by traditional leaders, government officials, business owners, renowned academics, students, the diaspora community, among other stakeholders.

Speaker Bagbin underscored the numerous opportunities offered by digital technology, artificial intelligence, social media, e-commerce, and digital financial services, urging the youth to leverage the same to develop businesses, market products, provide professional services, and access international markets.

“Technology must be an instrument of empowerment, not exploitation, a platform for enterprise, not criminality, and a force for national development and not societal destruction,” he stressed.

He urged strong collaboration among parents, educational institutions, religious bodies, and national institutions to promote digital literacy, ethical conduct, and responsible online behaviour.

The Speaker noted that the youth were among Ghana's greatest national assets, with enormous potential to transform the economy and society through their energy, creativity, ambition, and innovation.

In that regard, he said youth empowerment must go beyond acknowledging challenges to creating practical opportunities in education, skills development, employment, entrepreneurship, and public participation.

And to the youth, he said they should not only seek employment but also develop innovative solutions, create jobs, and establish sustainable businesses.