Security analyst, Nana Kweku Ofori Atta has called for comprehensive training in digital forensics for officials of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and members of the judiciary.
According to him, enhancing the digital forensic skills of investigators will enable them to collect and analyse electronic evidence accurately, ensuring its integrity and admissibility in court.
Ofori Atta further explained that equipping the judiciary with such knowledge would also allow them to independently verify the authenticity of digital evidence presented in cases involving cyber offences.
Speaking to crusdying guide he noted that the increasing rise in digital and cyber-related crimes in the country have made his proposed capacity-building effort essential.
“Although digital forensics is primarily used to investigate cybercrimes, it is also relevant to criminal and civil investigations. With the surge in cybercrimes, it is clear that we need to act promptly,” he said.
Ofori Atta’s call comes amid growing concerns about the country’s ability to tackle cybercrimes as there has been a significant increase in cyber-related crimes in recent years, with many cases going unreported or unsolved.
The security analyst emphasized that digital forensics is not just about investigating cybercrimes, but also about ensuring that justice is served in all cases involving digital evidence.
He noted that the lack of digital forensic skills among investigators and judiciary members is a major obstacle to the effective prosecution of cybercrimes.
“The absence of digital forensic skills among our investigators and judiciary members is a recipe for disaster so we need to act now to ensure that our justice system is equipped to handle the growing threat of cybercrimes.”
He called on the government and other stakeholders to provide the necessary resources to support the training of CID officials and judiciary members in digital forensics.
The training, Ofori Atta said, should cover areas such as digital evidence collection, analysis, and presentation in court.
He also emphasized the need for the development of a national digital forensics strategy to guide the country’s efforts in this area.
“The development of a national digital forensics strategy will help us to coordinate our efforts and ensure that we are using our resources effectively,” Ofori Atta said.
