The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has raised the alarm over mounting cyber threats that continue to endanger businesses, state institutions, and even families and individuals.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) in Accra, he urged Ghanaians to treat online safety with the same seriousness as physical security, stressing that reforms to the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) are underway to address new and emerging threats.
“Safety in cyberspace must be treated with the same urgency as safety in our physical communities. Citizens deserve protection from fraud, scams, abuse and blackmail, all of which violate fundamental human rights such as privacy, dignity and security,” he said.
Rising impact of cybercrime
The minister revealed that Ghana lost GH¢23.3 million to cybercrime in 2024, with an additional GH¢14.9 million lost in just the first half of 2025. Credentials from 35 organisations — including ministries, banks, hospitals and universities — have already been spotted on the dark web, posing risks of national-level breaches.
While commending recent joint operations by the police and the Cybersecurity Authority that dismantled fraud syndicates, Mr George called on the public to report scams, verify information, and protect their digital identities.
“Such trends reinforce the need for citizens to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to detect, prevent, and protect themselves against cyber threats,” he noted.
Law enforcement response
The acting Director-General of the Cybersecurity Authority, Divine Selasi Agbeti, warned of a surge in online fraud, impersonation, blackmail and cyberbullying. Reported incidents jumped from 1,317 in 2024 to 2,008 in the first half of 2025 alone, with financial losses climbing sharply to GH¢14.94 million.
He said this year’s campaign would engage children, businesses, government institutions, and citizens to prioritize digital safety and protect online rights. “The Awareness Month is expected to increase national understanding of the implications of cyber threats for democratic governance, national security, and individual well-being,” he stressed.
The Director-General of the CID, COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, highlighted the police’s dual role of prosecuting cyber criminals and protecting citizens. She pointed to new tools such as AI-driven policing systems and the AMBA Alert Ghana initiative with Meta, while urging stronger collaboration between government, the private sector, academia and citizens.
Private sector and academia weigh in
From the investment perspective, the CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Simon Madjie, said cybersecurity is critical for investor confidence and economic growth. With global cybercrime losses projected to reach $10.5 trillion, and Africa losing $3 billion since 2019, he stressed the urgency of continued investment, innovation, and partnerships to safeguard Ghana’s digital economy.
Adding the voice of academia, the Dean of the University of Ghana School of Engineering Sciences, Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, highlighted the role of universities in producing ethical, skilled professionals and in promoting responsible digital citizenship. She urged academia, government, and industry to work hand-in-hand to build a secure and resilient digital future for Ghana.
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