Nana Appiah Niama Okofo III, the chief of Worakese, a farming community in the Assin South District, has described the community as a haven for criminals who often engage in cybercrime activities.

Their activities, the chief said, included cyber-related fraud or ‘sakawa’, mobile money transfer fraud, child pornography, violation of computer network security among others.

The chief, who was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Worakese on Monday said: "I am terrified of the behaviour and the acceptance of cybercrime by many of the youth here regardless of the personal and national implications."

He expressed concern that the youth who have refused to go to school are now participating in fraudulent activities.

"They don't go to school, all they do is 419 and wee smoking. Occasionally, they gather themselves in the bush with the young girls in the area and engage in indecent acts."

He urged the youth, especially students, to stay away from cyber fraud and concentrate on their books.

Nana Okofo said there is the need for regular guidance and counselling forum to be organised periodically to enlighten the youth about the consequences of cybercrime and other related vices.

He appealed to the District Police Command to continue in their efforts at ensuring that the area is safe.