GH?15m lost to cyberfraud in first-half 2025

By Ernest Bako WUBONTO

The economy lost an estimated GH?14.9million to cybercrime in first-half 2025, according to new figures from the Cyber Security Authority (CSA).

The CSA disclosed that financial losses to cybercrime in 2024 stood at GH?23.3million, with this year’s mid-year losses already representing a 17 percent year-on-year increase. Fraud and impersonation accounted for more than 94 percent of cases.

Reported cyber incidents surged from 1,317 in first-half  2024 to 2,008 during the same period this year. Online fraud dominated at 36 percent, followed by cyberbullying (25 percent), online blackmail (14 percent), unauthorised access (12 percent) and information disclosure (nine percent).

Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations Samuel Nartey George warned cybercriminals that government, in collaboration with security agencies and regulators, will intensify crackdowns. He stressed that cybersecurity must now be treated with the same seriousness as physical safety.

Quoting the DataReportal Digital Report 2025, the Minister noted that internet usage in Ghana has reached 24.3 million users, or 70 percent penetration, with nearly eight million active social media identities. He cautioned, however, that increased digital engagement also heightens exposure to cyber-risks.

Mr. George announced that amendments to the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) are being drafted to strengthen regulation while balancing innovation and user protection. His comments were made at the National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM 2025) launch – a CSA initiative in partnership with the Ghana Police Service’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), academia and various state institutions.

Commissioner of Police Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General-CID, underlined law enforcement’s dual responsibility to prosecute offenders and safeguard citizens. She said the CID’s Cybercrime Unit will continue working with stakeholders to dismantle criminal networks, enhance public awareness and strengthen digital investigative capacity.

Divine Selase Agbeti, Director-General of the CSA, revealed that data from 35 Ghanaian institutions – including ministries, regulatory agencies, banks, hospitals and universities – have been found circulating on the dark web, posing risks of privacy breaches and potential national-level compromise.

He added that this year’s awareness campaign, themed ‘Building a safe, informed and accountable digital space’, will target misinformation, disinformation and deepfake manipulation, while urging individuals and institutions to verify information before sharing to reinforce data safeguards.

Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann, Dean-School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana, highlighted academia’s contribution through research and capacity building. Citing her own recent experience with online disinformation, she emphasised that cyberspace “is not inherently safe” despite its benefits to innovation, e-commerce, telemedicine and education.

October has been designated Cyber Security Awareness Month, during which nationwide engagements will be held to promote safe online practices and build resilience against cyber threats.

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