The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has raised alarms about a significant increase in cybercrime incidents throughout Ghana, highlighting growing threats to online safety and national security. The CSA reported that cases surged from 1,317 in the first half of 2024 to 2,008 during the same period in 2025, illustrating the magnitude of the issue.
Data reveals that the most common types of incidents included online fraud (36%), cyberbullying (25%), and online blackmail (14%). Financial losses associated with these crimes increased by 17% year-on-year, totalling GH₵14.94 million, with online fraud and impersonation responsible for over 90% of the losses.
At the media launch for Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025 on September 3, Divine Selasi Agbeti, the Director-General of the CSA, emphasised the importance of prioritising online safety as Ghana continues its digitalisation efforts. Also addressing the audience, COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), called for increased government investment in cybersecurity infrastructure, legislation, and law enforcement capabilities.
In a related development, the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation is set to present the Misinformation, Disinformation, and Hate Speech Bill to Parliament in the coming weeks.
The bill, when passed into law, will curb the growing wave of cyber threats such as online fraud, scams, abuse, and blackmail; offences that infringe on the rights of digital users. Sector minister, Samuel Nartey George, stressed that offenders under the proposed legislation will face strict legal sanctions. George also issued a warning to individuals in Ghana involved in online schemes targeting and defrauding foreign nationals, stating that the government was cracking down hard on such activities.
Source: classfmonline.com/Zita Okwang
