Ghana Enhances Child Protection in Digital Space

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) is calling for a renewed national focus on protecting the rights and wellbeing of children in Ghana’s increasingly digital world.

CHRAJ Commissioner, Dr Joseph Whittal, highlighted the dual nature of the digital age – offering opportunities for learning and connection, but also exposing children to significant risks like cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and online trafficking.

Dr Whittal made the call while delivering the keynote address at a CHRAJ training session for students on digital advocacy, held in observance of the 2025 International Human Rights Day. The event’s theme was “Human Rights Are Everyday Essentials: Child Rights in the Digital and Cyberspace in Ghana.”

“Cyberbullying, online grooming, exposure to violent and pornographic material and digital fraud are no longer remote dangers; they are present and growing threats to the Ghanaian child,” Dr Whittal stated emphatically.

He stressed that children’s rights, enshrined in the 1992 Constitution, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, remain paramount even in the digital realm. “These rights do not disappear when a child logs onto a device. The digital world must uphold the same standards that guide our physical world,” he explained.

Dr Whittal observed a shift in childhood in Ghana, with more children aged eight to seventeen gaining access to the internet, often unsupervised via smartphones. While acknowledging the benefits for education and social interaction, he expressed concern over potential privacy breaches, excessive screen time, and exposure to harmful content.

He acknowledged the strides Ghana has made through child protection policies and cybersecurity legislation, alongside collaborations with the Cyber Security Authority, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, National Communications Authority, and other stakeholders. However, he insisted that more robust action is crucial.

“More robust action is needed to strengthen child online protection frameworks, build digital literacy for parents and educators and improve child-friendly reporting systems,” he said.

Dr Whittal emphasized that safeguarding children online is a collective responsibility. “Parents must show interest in their children’s digital activities; schools must teach cyber ethics; technology companies must design platforms with child safety at the core; and community and religious leaders must champion safe digital practices,” he advised.

CHRAJ, he assured, is committed to increasing public education, investigating violations of children’s digital rights, and supporting national efforts to create secure digital ecosystems. He urged stakeholders to adopt proactive strategies that empower children to navigate the online world safely.

“A child protected online is a child empowered to learn, dream, innovate and participate meaningfully in society,” Dr Whittal said.

He called for a unified “act, protect and empower” approach, stressing that defending children’s rights online is vital for their dignity and future. “Human rights are everyday essentials, and children’s rights in the digital era must be protected every hour, every minute and every click,” he added.

Madam Vida Akundikiya, a Senior Investigator at CHRAJ, highlighted the risks associated with the digital world, including harmful content, grooming, and identity theft, during her presentation on Child Rights in the Digital Cyberspace. She encouraged responsible online behaviour, urging young users to think before posting and respect others.

Madam Akundikiya further advised children to safeguard their passwords, verify information before sharing, and promptly report any instances of cyberbullying or online abuse. She underscored that responsible digital citizenship requires respect, awareness, and understanding of the consequences of online actions.

Mr Terence Addey Adam of the Child Protection Digital Forensic Laboratory and Cybercrime Unit (CID) discussed online safety and emerging cyber threats targeting Ghanaian teenagers. He pointed to the increasing prevalence of social engineering, online predators, account takeovers, and privacy breaches.

Mr Adam outlined practical safety measures, including using strong passwords, recognizing online harassment, and maintaining skepticism towards suspicious interactions. He urged victims and witnesses of online harassment or exploitation to report incidents immediately.

The event is part of broader national efforts to foster safe digital environments for children and raise awareness about their rights in cyberspace.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE