The Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, has held high-level discussions with representatives of the Australian Federal Police and officials from INTERPOL NCB Accra aimed at strengthening international collaboration in tackling online child sexual exploitation.
The meeting focused on emerging cases of online child exploitation affecting both Ghana and Australia, with participants exploring ways to enhance intelligence sharing, joint investigations and coordinated responses to the growing transnational crime.
Addressing the meeting, COP Donkor emphasized the commitment of the police to protecting vulnerable persons, particularly children, from abuse and exploitation in digital spaces.
“We continue to work closely with our international partners to address the increasing threat of online child sexual exploitation. Strengthening cooperation and intelligence sharing is key to identifying offenders, rescuing victims and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice,” she said.
She highlighted the critical role played by the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) within the CID in handling cases involving victims of abuse and providing support services to survivors.
According to her, the CID has also established a specialized Child Protection Digital Forensics Laboratory which conducts advanced cyber forensic analysis on electronic devices seized from suspects in order to gather evidence to support investigations.
COP Donkor further disclosed that dedicated Online Child Sexual Exploitation Investigation Teams within the CID have been actively working to track down offenders, rescue victims and disrupt criminal networks involved in the abuse of children through digital platforms.
“Our specialized investigation teams continue to examine digital evidence, identify victims and pursue suspects involved in these crimes. Our focus is not only on prosecuting offenders but also ensuring the safety, recovery and protection of affected children,” she added.
She noted that crimes involving online child exploitation often transcend national borders, making international partnerships and coordinated law enforcement actions essential in dismantling criminal networks.
The CID Director-General also called on the public to play an active role in protecting children from online dangers.
“Parents, guardians, teachers and community members must remain vigilant about children’s activities online. Any suspicious behaviour or suspected exploitation must be reported immediately to the police or relevant authorities,” she advised.
She stressed that early reporting of suspected cases could help investigators intervene quickly, rescue victims and prevent further harm.
The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ghana Police Service and its international partners to strengthen global cooperation in combating cyber-enabled crimes and safeguarding children in the digital age.
