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The training brought together investigators from the Eastern Region
Correspondence from the Eastern Region
Police officers in the Eastern Region have undergone specialised training in cybercrime investigations, digital forensics, and cyber intelligence as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against technology-driven crime in Ghana.
The training, held in Koforidua on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, brought together 30 investigators drawn from various districts and divisions across the region. The programme forms part of a broader strategy by the Police Administration to decentralise cybercrime expertise beyond the national level.
Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi, Head of the Child Protection, Digital Forensics Laboratory and Cybercrime Unit at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters, said the initiative was designed to equip officers with the technical skills required to tackle modern crime.
According to him, the training focused on three key thematic areas: cybercrime investigations, cyber intelligence, and digital forensics.
“This programme is a three-in-one package designed to address the core aspects of cybercrime. Today, almost every crime has a cyber element, whether it involves mobile phones, laptops or online platforms,” he explained.
He noted that unlike traditional crimes, cyber offences are often committed remotely using digital devices, making investigations more complex and requiring specialised tools and expertise.
“In cybercrime, a suspect can sit in the comfort of their home and target victims anywhere using a mobile phone or computer. This requires a different approach to investigation, including the ability to extract, preserve and analyse digital evidence,” he added.
Chief Superintendent Gyebi further indicated that, until now, advanced digital forensic capabilities have largely been centralised at the CID Headquarters, which houses a fully equipped forensic laboratory. The current initiative seeks to build capacity at the regional level to improve response times and efficiency.
He emphasised that participants would serve as trainers within their respective commands, helping to build a wider network of officers with basic cybercrime investigation skills.
“The idea is to train a core group who will go back and support their colleagues. Eventually, we want every investigator to have at least a working knowledge of cybercrime investigation and online safety,” he said.
The training also aims to address the growing prevalence of cyber-related offences such as mobile money fraud, account takeovers and online sexual extortion.
Chief Superintendent Gyebi identified lack of public awareness and underreporting as major challenges in combating cybercrime. He stressed the need for continuous public education on online safety, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
“Many people do not even realise they have been victimised. Others are unaware that they can report cybercrime at any police station. Public education must be continuous and not limited to specific periods,” he stated.
On mobile money fraud, he explained that the increasing shift from USSD-based services to mobile applications has created opportunities for fraudsters to develop fake platforms that mimic legitimate services.
“Only trained individuals can easily detect fake applications or links. This is why user education is critical, because once a person is deceived into using a fake platform, their financial information can be compromised,” he warned.
Also speaking at the event, Koforidua Municipal Crime Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Augustine Asante Kusi, said the training was part of a “train-the-trainers” model aimed at building a strong cybercrime response team in the region.
“We have selected 30 investigators from across the Eastern Region, ranging from lance corporals to chief inspectors. These are experienced detectives who will be equipped to handle cyber-related investigations at the local level,” he said.
He added that plans are underway to establish a cybercrime hub in Koforidua to support digital investigations and forensic analysis within the region.
“The cyber space has become another world where crimes are committed. As people move into the region, they do not leave their criminal activities behind. We must be ready and equipped to respond effectively,” ASP Kusi noted.
The two-day training is expected to enhance the capacity of officers to investigate cyber-enabled crimes, improve evidence handling, and ultimately contribute to the prosecution of offenders.
Police authorities say the initiative will be expanded in phases, with more officers expected to receive training in basic, intermediate and advanced cybercrime investigation techniques in the coming months.
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