Law to regulate Internet fraud soon

The Ministry of Communications is to introduce an Electronic Transaction Law to regulate the activities of Internet users, especially businessmen and women.

The Head of Policy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ministry, Mr. Issah Yahaya, announced that the Law would regulate electronic signatures, use of credit card and Internet communications as well as fight Internet or cyber fraud.

He said that sections of the law would regulate electronic message; and other automated transactions. It is also expected to help the Government to also manage its e-government services by improving acceptance of electronic files, issuance of documents and records.

Mr. Yahaya said the law would deal with cyber fraud and other unscrupulous activities such as stealing, dishonestly receiving, forgery, conspiracy, charlatanic advertisement and access to protected computers.

Computer Misuse Act would effectively tackle child pornography, use of illegal devices and authorized disclosure of access code, he said, adding that cyber inspectors would also be strengthened under the law to effectively monitor and control users.

Mr. Yahaya said the Ministry was working together with the Ghana Internet Providers Association to also control the situation and called on individuals, especially Internet operators, to report suspicious characters to the Police.