Sunyani: The Global Media Foundation (GloMeF), a civil society organization, has called upon the government to address the escalating youth unemployment rate as a strategy to curb the surge in cybercrimes and related online scams. As the nation celebrates Workers Day, Mr. Godlove Ahenu, the Founder and CEO of GloMeF, expressed his concern over the economic hardships forcing many young Ghanaians into cybercrime and fraudulent activities.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ahenu highlighted the alarming rise of the get-rich-quick syndrome, known locally as 'Sakawa,' among the youth. He noted with regret that cybercrime and online fraud have become more sophisticated, ensnaring many unsuspecting individuals. He also pointed out the troubling increase in sextortion and digital sexual abuses, with numerous young girls being blackmailed or lured into unsafe online relationships.

Mr. Ahenu emphasized the urgent need for enforceable data protection laws and reporting systems to address these issues. He also acknowledged the transformative potential of digital tools, citing the powerful online campaigns for social change led by young Africans in recent years. He urged the government to prioritize the development of a robust digital governance framework that protects rights while fostering innovation.

He called on policymakers, educators, tech companies, and civil society to support this initiative. The government must enact and enforce data protection laws, cybercrime regulations, child online safety acts, and codes of conduct for tech platforms. Furthermore, Mr. Ahenu advocated for embedding digital citizenship into school curricula to teach young people how to navigate online spaces responsibly and safely.

He concluded by affirming that Ghana's digital future is promising if built on a foundation of rights, responsibility, and regulation. Mr. Ahenu urged decisive action to transform the internet into a tool of empowerment, rather than a trap of exploitation, for future generations.