SCARS is Changing the way Ghana West Africa thinks about Scams Fraud & Cybercrime

SCARS Director Dr. Tim McGuinness was presenting to the Ghana Police Service Academy on April 15th, 2024

Authors:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Portions from the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation

About This Article

The ePolice Academy 2024 International Edition, a collaborative initiative by the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation, recently concluded with resounding success in Sunyani, Ghana.

The event, held at Sheila’s Executive Hotel, gathered cybersecurity experts and law enforcement officers to explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in cyber forensic investigations and enhance online safety. Key speakers like Dr. Edward Danso Ansong, Dr. Isaac Tweneboah-Koduah, and Dr. Tim McGuinness of SCARS provided invaluable insights into AI’s role in cybersecurity and the impact of cybercrime on victims.

Practical applications of AI were showcased, with innovative approaches to crime detection highlighted. The event emphasized the importance of ethical hacking, digital literacy, and proactive cybercrime prevention. The enthusiastic participation of attendees and the practical knowledge gained underscored the event’s significance in advancing Ghana’s cybersecurity landscape.

SCARS Is Changing The Way West Africa Thinks About Scams Fraud & Cybercrime - April 2024
The ePolice Academy 2024 International Edition, an initiative hosted by the Ghana Police Service in partnership with the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation and SCARS on April 15th, 2024
Ghana Internet Safety Foundation

SCARS is Proud to have had our Dr. McGuinness presenting to the Ghana Police Service

SCARS Is Changing The Way West Africa Thinks About Scams Fraud & Cybercrime – April 15, 2024

The ePolice Academy 2024 International Edition, a groundbreaking collaboration between the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation, with the participation again of SCARS, recently concluded its highly anticipated event in Sunyani, Ghana. Held at Sheila’s Executive Hotel in the Bono Region on April 15th, 2024, this landmark initiative brought together leading cybersecurity experts and law enforcement officers from around the world to address the evolving challenges of cybercrime and online safety. With a focus on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into cyber forensic investigations, the ePolice Academy aimed to equip participants with cutting-edge tools and strategies to combat digital threats and safeguard communities in Ghana and beyond.

Distinguished speakers such as Dr. Edward Danso Ansong, Dr. Isaac Tweneboah-Koduah, and Dr. Tim McGuinness of SCARS led insightful discussions on the pivotal role of AI in cybersecurity and the profound impact of cybercrime on both victims and law enforcement. Their expertise illuminated the complex intersection of technology, crime, and justice, offering invaluable perspectives on navigating the digital landscape in an era of unprecedented connectivity and vulnerability. As participants engaged in interactive sessions and hands-on demonstrations, the ePolice Academy underscored the urgent need for collaboration, innovation, and proactive measures to ensure a safer digital environment for all.

According to the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation:

Sunyani, Ghana – April 2024,

The ePolice Academy 2024 International Edition, an initiative hosted by the Ghana Police Service in partnership with the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation, has successfully concluded. The landmark event, which took place at Sheila’s Executive Hotel in Sunyani, Bono Region on April 15th, 2024, brought together top cybersecurity experts and law enforcement officers to foster the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in cyber forensic investigation and bolster online safety in Ghana.

Esteemed international and local professionals gathered to share their knowledge and best practices. Dr. Edward Danso Ansong and Dr. Isaac Tweneboah-Koduah offered profound insights into AI’s role in cybersecurity, while Dr. Tim McGuinness addressed the impact of cybercrime on Victims and Law Enforcement’s role in showing compassion to victims. Emmanuel Atwam delivered an engaging session on digital evidence, emphasizing the enhancement of forensic capabilities within the Ghana Police Service.

Gabriel Ofosu Appiah provided valuable guidance on online safety and digital literacy. Botswana’s David Moepeng shared strategies from his extensive experience in cybercrime mitigation, underscoring the global dimension of the conference.

Practical applications of AI were showcased by DSP Alex Anargbonu, Dominic Alokopo, and Stephen Suglo, who were recognized for their innovative approaches to crime detection. Terence Addey Adams highlighted the essential work in cybercrime prevention within child protection.

The discussion on ethical hacking led by Philemon Hini opened up conversations on securing digital infrastructure. The interactive sessions throughout the event ensured that attendees were equipped with both theoretical understanding and practical skills.

The event received acclaim not only for the expert panels but also for the enthusiastic participation of the trainees, one of whom stated, “The knowledge and hands-on experience gained from the ePolice Academy have been unparalleled. The practical applications of AI we’ve been exposed to are game-changers for our day-to-day duties and will significantly enhance our operational effectiveness.”

There is a slogan that says, ‘Think before you click’. As police officers tasked with protecting life and property, there is a need for us to understand the existence of cybercrime, how to investigate, the type of evidence we are to look for, how to retrieve that evidence, and how to preserve it for future use. This training, when taken seriously, will enhance your professional experience and, for that matter, the goal of the Ghana Police Service and the expectations of the general public. — Bono Regional Police Commander

The Ghana Police Service extends sincere thanks to the organizers, Ghana Internet Safety Foundation, speakers and participants.

“This event is a cornerstone in our ongoing commitment to using technology to ensure the safety of the public,” said a senior representative of the Ghana Police Service.

The ePolice Academy was a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in the pursuit of a safer digital environment in Ghana.

The ePolice Academy 2024 International Edition, an initiative hosted by the Ghana Police Service in partnership with the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation and SCARS on April 15th, 2024
The ePolice Academy 2024 International Edition, an initiative hosted by the Ghana Police Service in partnership with the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation and SCARS on April 15th, 2024
Dr. Tim McGuinness, Managing Director of SCARS presenting in Ghana April 15, 2024
Dr. Tim McGuinness, Managing Director of SCARS presenting in Ghana April 15, 2024

SCARS Resources:

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The following specific modalities within the practice of psychology are restricted to psychologists appropriately trained in the use of such modalities:

  • Diagnosis: The diagnosis of mental, emotional, or brain disorders and related behaviors.
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SCARS and the members of the SCARS Team do not engage in any of the above modalities in relationship to scam victims. SCARS is not a mental healthcare provider and recognizes the importance of professionalism and separation between its work and that of the licensed practice of psychology.

SCARS is an educational provider of generalized self-help information that individuals can use for their own benefit to achieve their own goals related to emotional trauma. SCARS recommends that all scam victims see professional counselors or therapists to help them determine the suitability of any specific information or practices that may help them.

SCARS cannot diagnose or treat any individuals, nor can it state the effectiveness of any educational information that it may provide, regardless of its experience in interacting with traumatized scam victims over time. All information that SCARS provides is purely for general educational purposes to help scam victims become aware of and better understand the topics and to be able to dialog with their counselors or therapists.

It is important that all readers understand these distinctions and that they apply the information that SCARS may publish at their own risk, and should do so only after consulting a licensed psychologist or mental healthcare provider.

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