EC’s 3-Day mop-up voter registration exercise starts from Thursday, August 1, 2024

The Electoral Commission has announced a mop-up registration exercise for eligible voters ahead of the 2024 general election.

Addressing a press briefing on Monday, July 29, Deputy Chairman in charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey, said the exercise will be conducted online and will run from Thursday, August 1 to Saturday, August 3.

“As part of measures to ensure an all-inclusive voter's register ahead of the 2024 general elections, the Electoral Commission is organizing a mop-up voter registration exercise to give opportunity to eligible persons who could not register and those who have turned 18 years since the limited registration exercise to register as voters to enable them to vote in December,” he stated.

Mr. Tettey clarified that the mop-up exercise is exclusively for eligible voters who have not yet registered. He warned that already registered voters are not eligible to participate and any attempts by them will be detected by the EC’s system and flagged.

The exercise will take place at all of the EC’s 26 District offices, 26 public universities, and 41 prison centers across the country. It will run daily from 7 am to 6 pm, he added.

Mr Tettey emphasized that the requirements for voter registration, as stated in regulation 2 of C.I 126 (as amended), apply to the mop-up registration exercise.

"Eligible individuals must present a Ghana card or passport as proof of eligibility. In the absence of these documents, an applicant will need two registered voters as guarantors. Registered voters can guarantee for up to 10 people."

Source: My Joy Online

Digital Transformation in Law: The Functional Equivalence Approach

In an era where digital transformation is reshaping every aspect of our lives, the legal recognition of electronic transactions is becoming increasingly vital. The functional equivalence approach is a pivotal solution that ensures electronic records and signatures have the same legal validity as traditional paper documents. This method, endorsed by the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transactions, the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) in the United States, and Ghana's Electronic Transactions Act (Act 772), is fundamentally changing the way jurisdictions handle electronic transactions.

A Seamless Integration into Existing Legal Frameworks

One of the most significant advantages of the functional equivalence approach is its ability to integrate electronic transactions within existing legal frameworks without necessitating a wholesale revision of paper-based requirements. This means that the foundational legal concepts and principles that have governed transactions for centuries remain intact, while electronic transactions are afforded the same legitimacy.

By establishing the legal equivalence of electronic records and signatures, these laws remove the barriers that traditionally hindered the use of electronic transactions. This integration is achieved without disrupting the underlying legal rules and requirements, ensuring a smooth transition from paper to digital formats.

Understanding E-Transaction Laws

There are generally two primary sources of requirements for electronic transactions: e-transaction laws and the substantive laws governing specific transactions. E-transaction laws apply broadly across various types of transactions, irrespective of the specific substantive law involved. These laws focus on addressing the unique issues that arise from using electronic media, such as ensuring the security, authenticity, and integrity of electronic records and signatures.

The substantive laws, on the other hand, govern specific types of transactions and may include requirements that must be met electronically. For example, certain financial transactions or contracts may have specific criteria that electronic documents must satisfy to be considered valid. E-transaction laws ensure that these electronic documents meet the same standards as their paper counterparts.

Global and National Legislation

The UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transactions provides a comprehensive framework that many countries adopt to harmonize their electronic transaction laws. This model law sets out principles that ensure electronic records and signatures are treated with the same respect and legal force as traditional documents.

In the United States, the UETA serves as a benchmark for electronic transactions. It provides clear guidelines on how electronic signatures and records should be treated, ensuring they are not denied legal effect solely because they are in electronic form. This law has been widely adopted across states, providing a uniform standard that facilitates interstate and international commerce.

Ghana's Electronic Transactions Act (Act 772)

Act 772 is a prime example of how the functional equivalence approach is being effectively implemented at a national level. Enacted in 2008, this legislation provides a comprehensive and robust legal framework that recognizes and supports the use of electronic records and signatures. The Act ensures that electronic transactions are afforded the same legal status as traditional paper-based transactions, thereby facilitating a seamless transition to digital operations.

By incorporating principles of functional equivalence, the Electronic Transactions Act (Act 772) addresses several key aspects essential for the growth of e-commerce and digital innovation. It sets out clear guidelines for the validity and enforceability of electronic records and signatures, ensuring they meet the same standards as their paper counterparts. This includes provisions for the security, integrity, and authenticity of electronic documents, which are critical for building trust in digital transactions.

The Act also removes the legal barriers that previously hampered electronic transactions in Ghana. Prior to its enactment, businesses and individuals faced significant challenges in executing electronic contracts and maintaining electronic records due to the lack of legal recognition. By establishing a legal framework that supports these digital activities, the Act has opened new opportunities for businesses to operate more efficiently and competitively in the global market.

Moreover, the Electronic Transactions Act (Act 772) promotes innovation by providing the necessary legal infrastructure for the development and deployment of new digital technologies. This has encouraged the growth of e-commerce platforms, fintech solutions, and other digital services that rely on secure and legally recognized electronic transactions. The resulting increase in digital activity is helping to drive economic growth and modernization in Ghana.

In addition to supporting businesses, the Act also benefits consumers by providing greater convenience and faster processing times for various transactions. Whether it’s signing contracts, making payments, or accessing services online, consumers can now engage in these activities with the assurance that their electronic transactions are legally valid and secure.

By fostering a more dynamic and modern economy, Ghana's Electronic Transactions Act (Act 772) serves as a model for other countries looking to implement similar legal frameworks. It demonstrates how the functional equivalence approach can be effectively utilized to support digital transformation, ensuring that the legal system evolves in step with technological advancements. This forward-thinking legislation not only enhances the efficiency of transactions but also positions Ghana as a leader in digital innovation within the region.

Implications for Businesses and Consumers

For businesses, the functional equivalence approach means reduced paperwork, streamlined operations, and the ability to engage in electronic commerce with confidence. Contracts can be signed electronically, documents can be stored and retrieved digitally, and transactions can be completed more efficiently.

Consumers benefit from greater convenience, faster processing times, and enhanced security. The ability to sign documents electronically from anywhere in the world saves time and resources, making it easier to engage in various transactions without the need for physical presence.

Looking Ahead

As digital transformation continues to accelerate, the functional equivalence approach stands as a testament to the adaptability of the legal system. By bridging the gap between traditional paper-based transactions and their electronic counterparts, it ensures that the legal framework remains robust and relevant in the digital age.

This approach not only facilitates the adoption of electronic transactions but also preserves the integrity and trustworthiness of the legal system. As more jurisdictions adopt these principles, the global landscape for electronic commerce and transactions will become increasingly seamless and secure, paving the way for a future where digital transactions are the norm rather than the exception.

Conclusion

The functional equivalence approach marks a significant milestone in the legal recognition of electronic transactions. By ensuring that electronic records and signatures are treated with the same validity as their paper counterparts, this approach provides a seamless integration into existing legal frameworks. This not only preserves the integrity of long-standing legal principles but also facilitates the transition to a digital economy.

Legislative frameworks such as the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transactions, the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) in the United States, and Ghana's Electronic Transactions Act (Act 772) exemplify how this approach is being successfully implemented. They remove the legal barriers that previously hindered electronic transactions, promoting efficiency, security, and convenience for businesses and consumers alike.

As digital transformation continues to evolve, the functional equivalence approach will play a crucial role in ensuring that the legal system remains robust and adaptable. By embracing this approach, jurisdictions worldwide can foster a more dynamic and innovative economic environment, paving the way for a future where electronic transactions are not only accepted but are the standard.

The functional equivalence approach offers a balanced and forward-thinking solution that harmonizes the old with the new, ensuring that the legal landscape is well-equipped to handle the demands of the digital age.

Author: Abubakari Saddiq Adams – Business IT & IT Legal Consultant | IT Governance Advocate | Member, IIPGH

For comments, please contact +233246173369 || +233504634180 or E-mail: abubakrsiddiq10@gmail.com

Safeguarding Against Credit Card Fraud: Cybersecurity Solutions for Organizations and Individuals

Cybercriminals are always coming up with new ways to hack into credit card systems, causing huge financial losses and damaging reputations. In today's world, where online transactions are everywhere, credit card fraud is a big problem for both businesses and people.  To fight this, cybersecurity experts work hard to create strong systems to detect and prevent fraud. This article explores the issues related to credit card fraud detection, how it affects everyone, and the solutions provided by cybersecurity companies like Inveteck Global.

The Landscape of Credit Card Fraud Detection Systems

Credit card fraud detection systems are crucial tools for banks and online stores to protect against fraud. These systems use smart algorithms and machine learning to look at transaction data and spot suspicious activities. However, they face several challenges such as:

Evolving Fraud Techniques: Cybercriminals are always changing their methods to avoid getting caught. They use techniques like card skimming, phishing scams, and creating fake identities to find and exploit weaknesses in credit card systems.

Data Breaches: Companies that store large amounts of customer data are major targets for cyberattacks. If a data breach occurs, sensitive credit card information can be stolen, putting both the company and its customers at risk.

False Positives: Sometimes, fraud detection systems mistakenly flag legitimate transactions as fraud. These false alarms can frustrate customers and make them lose trust in the company's ability to detect fraud accurately.

Insider Threats: Employees who have access to sensitive information can pose a big risk. They might misuse their access for personal gain or fall victim to scams that trick them into giving away important information.

Yes, credit card fraud detection systems are very important for keeping our money safe, but they need to keep getting better to catch new types of fraud. Criminals are always finding new ways to steal; therefore, these systems have to be updated regularly with the latest security features or services such as vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT), anti-fraud monitoring and detection systems, IT audit, awareness training and many more to keep the system up to date. They also need to quickly adapt to new threats to effectively catch and stop fraud. Keeping these systems up-to-date and flexible is crucial for them to do their job well.

The Impacts of Credit Card Fraud on Organizations and Individuals

Credit card fraud doesn't just cost money when compromised; it also has serious consequences for both businesses and people such as:

Financial Losses: Businesses lose a lot of money due to fraudulent transactions, having to pay back stolen funds, and legal costs for investigating and handling fraud cases.

Reputational Damage: If a company experiences a data breach or a big fraud incident, it harms their reputation. Customers may lose trust, leading to bad publicity and a drop in business.

Identity Theft: When someone's credit card information is stolen, they might suffer from identity theft. This can lead to financial trouble, lowered credit scores, and a lot of stress.

Regulatory Compliance:  Companies that don't properly protect customer data can face fines and penalties for not following industry rules like PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard).

Solutions Offered by Cybersecurity Professionals

To effectively reduce the risks associated with credit card fraud, organizations should work with cybersecurity professionals and put strong fraud detection systems in place:

Advanced Fraud Detection Technologies: Companies like Inveteck Global develop sophisticated services that mitigate fraud detection system services such as performing Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT), anti-fraud monitoring and detection systems, IT audit and many more for robust financial system. These services also help organizations spot and stop fraudulent transactions as they happen, making their systems more secure to withstand any cyberattacks.

Encryption and Tokenization: By using encryption and tokenization, businesses can protect sensitive credit card information from being accessed by unauthorized people. This makes data breaches less harmful and business secure.

Employee Training and Awareness: Regularly training employees about cybersecurity helps them understand the dangers of credit card fraud and teaches them how to protect important information about themselves and the business.

Collaboration and Partnership: Organizations can gain a lot by working with cybersecurity firms that have specialized knowledge in fraud detection and prevention. Cybersecurity company like Inveteck Global offers professional training and services such as VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing), Red Teaming, IT audit, cybersecurity consultancy, and many more to ensure a strong security system individuals and organizations. Along with other cybersecurity service providers, offer a range of products and services to tackle the challenges of credit card fraud.

Conclusion

Credit card fraud is a significant problem that affects both businesses and individuals. To protect sensitive information and minimize risks, organizations must take proactive measures. This involves utilizing the expertise of cybersecurity professionals who specialize in identifying and addressing potential threats. By adopting advanced fraud detection services, such as anti-fraud monitoring and detection systems, Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing, Red Teaming, IT Audit, cybersecurity consultancy, or advanced technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence, organizations can properly improve their ability to detect and prevent fraudulent transactions in real-time.

Moreover, implementing strong cybersecurity practices is crucial. This includes using encryption and tokenization to safeguard credit card data, providing regular training to employees to raise awareness about fraud risks, and encouraging best practices for data protection. Collaboration with industry leaders and cybersecurity firms can further enhance an organization's security posture. These firms offer specialized services, such as vulnerability assessments and penetration testing (VAPT) among others, to ensure robust system defenses.

By combining these strategies, we can collectively combat credit card fraud, ensuring the security of financial transactions in our increasingly digital world. This comprehensive approach not only protects financial assets but also helps maintain customer trust and regulatory compliance.

Author: Abu Safian, Inveteck Global | Member, IIPGH

For comments, contact +233559168197

Source: IIPGH