The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has opened a state-of-the-art Digital Forensics Laboratory at the College of Science in the University. The Digital Forensics Laboratory was jointly commissioned by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kwasi Obiri-Danso and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), David Asante-Apeatu.
The establishment of the digital forensics Laboratory is through the collaborative efforts of the CoS and the e-Crime Bureau Limited, a cyber security and investigations specialist firm, to support the running of a digital forensics science programme at the University.
In his welcome address, Professor Kwasi Obiri-Danso, thanked all stakeholders for their contributions in making the establishment of the Laboratory come into fruition. He stated that it is also in line with his vision of using technology in the operations of the University.
In a keynote speech, Mr. Asante-Apeatu noted that Ghana has benefited from new innovations in technology but experiences its fair share of the cybercrime phenomenon. He said the cyber related crimes have affected all sectors of the economy resulting in monetary loses and reputational damage to institutions that rely on some form of Information Communication Technology (ICT) as part of their day to day operations.
The IGP indicated that growth in the ICT sub sector including the introduction of e-payment platforms and products, cashless systems, mobile money, e-learning among others has led to the rise of cyber related threats. He added that the use of computers and the internet play significant role in criminal activities such as money laundering, terrorism, cross-border crimes, drug and human trafficking. He said it is for these and others that necessitate the establishment of the laboratory and training.
He emphasized that Ghana is one of the few countries in the sub-region with the finest legislations, specifically, the Electronic Transaction Act, 2008 (Act 772) which he said is one of the legal instruments that support investigations and prosecution. According to him, the establishment of the Laboratory will therefore build capacity of law enforcement agencies, telecommunications, insurance, oil and gas, financial institutions, aviation, police force, courts, businesses and other law enforcement agencies.
In a speech read on his behalf, Mr. Albert Antwi Boasiako, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of e-Crime Bureau Limited, reiterated that the Laboratory has come at an opportune time to support students and professionals to build knowledge and technical expertise in cyber security and digital forensics to address the complexities in conducting digital evidence investigations. As Ghana continues to record significant growth in the IT sector, industry analysis has highlighted an upsurge in cyber crime and other cyber related threats, he added.
He continued that current issues and developments within the cyber security landscape in Africa and more so Ghana, is projected to be a major threat in the coming years as the continent is fast responding and embracing new technology based information across all areas.
Mr. Antwi Boasiako further called for investments in cyber security and a more concerted and collaborative approach to build a formidable cyber security ecosystem with emphasis on forensics to address emerging threats.
