The Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), DCOP Lydia Yaa Donkor, has highlighted the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in the fight against sophisticated cybercrime.
She noted that the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence is also reshaping cybersecurity.
AI is helping defenders detect threats faster, automate investigations, and strengthen security, but it is also being exploited by criminals to launch more sophisticated scams, malware, disinformation campaigns, and cyberattacks, she said.
She said this after gracing the closing ceremony of the 4th ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon 2026, a platform that showcased the future of cybersecurity in West Africa.
What stood out was not only the remarkable technical brilliance of the teams but also the strong representation of young women cybersecurity professionals from across the ECOWAS region.
COP Yaa Donkor said that watching these young experts confront complex and sophisticated cyber challenges with confidence, creativity, and determination was both inspiring and reassuring.
“At a time when cyber threats are growing in scale and complexity, their performance gives hope that our region is developing the talent, skill, and courage needed to defend our digital future.
“The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence is also reshaping cybersecurity. AI is helping defenders detect threats faster, automate investigations, and strengthen security, but it is also being exploited by criminals to launch more sophisticated scams, malware, disinformation campaigns, and cyberattacks.,” she wrote on her X page after the event.
She added that this makes continuous investment in skills, innovation, and talent development more urgent than ever.
At the Criminal Investigations Department, she said they remain committed to strengthening Ghana’s response to emerging cyber threats through advanced digital forensics, intelligence-led investigations, international partnerships, and technology-driven solutions.
“Protecting citizens and making Ghana’s digital space safer remains a national priority,” she said.
