Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has denounced the rising incidence of cybercrime and internet fraud in Ghana, cautioning the youth to desist from misusing the internet and use technology appropriately. He warned that such practices undermined public trust, tarnished Ghana’s image abroad, and could land offenders in serious trouble with the law. The Speaker made these remarks through Alhaji Kobina Ghansah, the Member of Parliament for Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa, at the global launch of the Student Workforce and Innovation Movement (SWIM) project at Asikuma.
The SWIM project, a global youth empowerment initiative, aims to bridge the gap between education and work by equipping students and young people in Africa with contemporary skills and connecting them to paid employment opportunities. The project has partnered with about 50 schools and universities globally, as well as several governments, to remove geographical and technological barriers and give young people equal access to education, professional networks, digital skills, and employment offers. So far, more than 8,000 students across Africa have joined the platform to participate in courses such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, and data science.
Speaker Bagbin emphasized that instead of engaging in cybercrime, young people should leverage technology to obtain skills, solve problems, and acquire legitimate wealth. He noted that it was unfortunate when platforms designed to facilitate learning, communication, and economic advancement were used for cybercrime, internet fraud, identity theft, online exploitation, and other unlawful or immoral activities. The Speaker urged the youth to pursue honest, hard work and integrity, rather than seeking quick and unearned financial gains.
The Speaker highlighted the numerous opportunities offered by digital technology, artificial intelligence, social media, e-commerce, and digital financial services, urging the youth to leverage these to develop businesses, market products, provide professional services, and access international markets. He stressed that technology must be an instrument of empowerment, not exploitation, a platform for enterprise, not criminality, and a force for national development and not societal destruction.
Madam Louv Afua Amoakowaa Ford, the Founder and CEO of SWIM, emphasized that the initiative aimed to establish lasting relationships among students, professionals, and peers through mentorships, friendships, business partnerships, and professional networks. She explained that SWIM’s virtual classrooms allowed students to connect from different countries, backgrounds, and experiences, enabling them to learn and collaborate internationally. Madam Ford stressed that investing in one young person could change not only their life but also strengthen a family, empower a community, stimulate an economy, and help shape a better world.
The launch of SWIM was attended by traditional leaders, government officials, business owners, renowned academics, students, and the diaspora community. Odeefuo Amoakwa Buadu VIII, the President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, commended the project, saying it represented a new commitment by traditional authorities to shaping the future of young people. He called for partnerships and practical support to help young people turn “learning into earning.”
The government has assured SWIM of its continued support, with the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Mr George Opare Addo, disclosing that a Memorandum of understanding had been signed with SWIM to advance the cause of the project. The government is working to create an ecosystem that prepares young people not only for employment but also for entrepreneurship and innovation. Key stakeholders have been urged to support the initiative to empower young people and promote responsible use of technology.
Key points
- The SWIM project has already attracted over 8,000 students across Africa.
- Speaker Bagbin emphasizes the need for responsible use of technology to prevent cybercrime and internet fraud.
- The government has pledged its support for the SWIM project through a Memorandum of understanding.
