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Online Fraud Takes 47% of Ghana’s Cybercrime Cases – CSA Reveals
Isaac Socrate Mensah, a senior manager at the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), has raised the alarm over what he describes as an “alarming surge” in online fraud and cyberattacks—crimes that are now increasingly driven by artificial intelligence (AI).
Speaking at MTN Ghana’s “Securing Our Digital Future” panel discussion in Accra, Mensah revealed that online fraud alone accounts for close to 47% of all reported cyber incidents in the country, making it Ghana’s number one cybercrime menace.
“Online fraud remains the most common cyber threat facing Ghanaians. It’s not only growing in number but also in sophistication. Criminals are using artificial intelligence to deceive, manipulate, and exploit unsuspecting users,” Mensah stated.
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Mensah warned that the integration of AI into online fraud schemes has made it harder for victims to detect deception.
According to him, fraudsters now use AI-generated images, cloned voices, and deepfake videos to impersonate real people — including friends, family members, or corporate executives — in order to steal money or sensitive information.
“We’re recording up to five online blackmail cases every single day, and many of these involve the use of AI to create fake intimate content or impersonations,” he revealed. “Victims are tricked into compromising situations, then blackmailed repeatedly for money.”
He said some victims end up making regular payments to their blackmailers out of fear that their doctored photos or videos will be leaked online.
Mensah also highlighted the rising trend of WhatsApp account hijackings, where criminals exploit users who have failed to activate two-factor authentication (2FA).
“Once a hacker gains access to one account, they study your contacts and group chats. They message people pretending to be you—asking for emergency cash, sending fake investment links, or offering unbelievable deals,” he explained.
The danger, he said, is that “it no longer looks like spam — it looks like a real message from someone you trust.”
Mensah cautioned that corporate Ghana and public institutions are not exempt from cyber threats.
He disclosed that the CSA has identified numerous cases of data exposure on the dark web, where hackers sell stolen passwords, internal communications, and confidential government information.
“We’ve seen cloned websites of banks, state agencies, and even ministries. These fake domains collect login details from unsuspecting employees and the public. It’s a serious national security concern,” he warned.
With the festive season approaching, Mensah cautioned that cybercriminals tend to intensify operations around this time, taking advantage of consumers’ eagerness for online deals and giveaways.
“They’ll advertise iPhones at ₵12,000 instead of ₵30,000 or claim to sell home appliances at impossible discounts. People pay upfront — and never receive their items,” he said.
Mensah recalled one shocking case in which a buyer thought they were purchasing a high-end blender, only to receive a tiny toy-sized version in the mail.
Mensah emphasised that Ghana has made progress in cybersecurity awareness but warned that the country must “evolve faster than the criminals”.
“No nation is immune. Even the United States and Israel—the most advanced in cybersecurity—are the most attacked,” he noted. “The key is vigilance, education, and personal responsibility.”
He urged Ghanaians to practise basic cyber hygiene, including:
- Activating two-factor authentication on all accounts
- Avoiding suspicious links or offers
- Verifying contacts before sending money
- Regularly updating passwords and devices
Mensah reiterated that cybersecurity is not the job of the CSA alone but a shared national duty.
“The fight against cybercrime starts with each of us,” he said. “Government, the private sector, and individuals must all take responsibility for protecting Ghana’s digital future.”
He reaffirmed the Cyber Security Authority’s commitment to continuous public education and collaboration with international partners to tackle the evolving digital threat landscape.
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