Combating Cybercrime in Zambia and Ghana: Balancing Security and Freedom

Cybercrime has been on the rise in Zambia and Ghana, two African countries that have implemented strict anti-cybercrime laws to combat the growing threat. In Zambia, a major cybercrime syndicate involving 77 people, including 22 Chinese nationals, was uncovered in April this year. This bust highlights the alarming rate at which cybercrime is spreading in the country. The syndicate's scope and complexity underscore the need for effective measures to protect citizens and critical infrastructure from cyber threats.

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To tackle this issue, Zambia enacted the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act No. 2 of 2021. The law established the Zambia Computer Incidence Response Team and the National Cyber Security Advisory and Coordinating Council. Its provisions aim to protect individuals against cybercrime, facilitate the identification and protection of critical information infrastructure, and regulate cybersecurity-related activities. However, critics argue that some provisions of the Act could be used to stifle free speech, particularly the harassment offense, which punishes electronic communication intended to coerce, intimidate, or cause substantial emotional distress.

Ghana has also been grappling with the surge in cybercrime. Since the launch of the Cybercrime Incident Reporting Points of Contact (PoC) in 2019, the country has recorded over 11,000 cyber attacks. In response, Ghana enacted the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038). The law aims to regulate cybersecurity activities, enhance capacity building, and facilitate international cooperation. Nonetheless, some critics contend that the law may infringe on individual rights and freedoms.

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The tension between cybersecurity and individual freedoms is a pressing concern in both Zambia and Ghana. While the laws aim to protect citizens from cyber threats, they must also ensure that freedom of expression and privacy are safeguarded. As the African Union emphasizes, effective cybersecurity measures must be balanced with respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Ultimately, finding this balance will require ongoing dialogue and collaboration between governments, civil society, and the private sector.

To effectively combat cybercrime, Zambia and Ghana must take several crucial steps. These include enhancing public awareness of cybersecurity best practices and the risks associated with cybercrime, building law enforcement agencies' capabilities to investigate and prosecute cybercrime cases, collaborating with international partners to share knowledge and expertise, and regularly reviewing and refining cybersecurity laws to ensure they remain effective and respect individual rights. By taking these steps, Zambia and Ghana can stay ahead of the evolving cybercrime landscape while protecting the rights and freedoms of their citizens.