Accra, 18 April, GNA - Ghana Media Advocacy Programme (G-MAP), a child rights Non Governmental Organization (NGO), has urged government to as matter of urgency enact a law to prevent children from using cyber or computer to commit fraud, prostitution and other sexual offences in the country.

The NGO observed that whilst organisations, development partners and government invested in information communication technology (ICT), to facilitate education and development, some children were using the facility to engage in theft and immoral activities. A statement signed by Mr Abdul Malik Jeleel, Executive Director of G-MAP, drew the attention of parents and guardians saying: "Apart from the computer, some adventurous children are currently using sophisticated mobile phones and other communication gadgets to commit fraud and source pornographic materials."

It called for adequate supervision of children's usage of mobile phones and ICT facilities, especially online services and monitoring of their activities even at the earliest ages. The statement noted that the involvement of children, especially those in the urban areas, could bring them in conflict with the law, thereby retarding their progress.

It cited Nima, Mamobi, North Kaneshie and Madina all suburbs of Accra with ICT concentration, as cyber crime prone areas and indicated that "children of school going age abandon school to engage in computer-generated fraud to get rich quick or to manipulate the equipment for pleasure." The statement said children were vulnerable and needed protection from adults against activities that could affect their mental and physical wellbeing.

It said cyber fraud among children if not eliminated could dent the country's image locally and internationally. The statement urged the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs and its partners in development to intensify action on the National Children Vulnerability Assessment and Advocacy Campaign. It indicated that the campaign aimed at sensitizing vulnerable children as well as instituting a legislation that would empower cyber operators to regulate or monitor children's activities on the internet and to prohibit them for using the facility during school hours. The statement also appealed to the media, civil society groups, religious organizations, and politicians to support the fight against cyber fraud among children.

It advised children to avoid computer-generated fraud and social vices and take advantage of the availability of ICT and the huge investment being made by their parents and government in their education, to acquire knowledge and skills required for national development. 18 April 09