lBy Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Ghana lost more than GH¢19 million to cybercrime in the first nine months of 2025, representing a 17 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to new data released by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA).
The Head of Law Enforcement and Liaison at the CSA, Colonel George Eduah Bessi, disclosed the figures during a cybersecurity awareness webinar hosted by the Africa Centre for Digital Transformation on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
He described the situation as “alarming,” warning that the rise in cyber-related incidents poses a growing threat to both Ghana’s economy and digital ecosystem.
According to CSA data, the country recorded 2,008 cyber incidents in the first half of 2025 — a 52 percent increase compared to 2024.
Online fraud remains the most common form of cybercrime, accounting for 37 percent of all cases. This includes phishing attacks, fake investment schemes, and mobile money scams.
From January to September 2025, Ghana recorded:
1,200 cases of online fraud
738 cases of cyberbullying
507 cases of online blackmail
390 cases of unauthorized access
288 cases of information disclosure
Cyberbullying alone accounted for 22 percent of all reported cases, with women and young people identified as the most affected groups.
Colonel Bessi emphasized that the CSA is intensifying regulatory enforcement and public education to address the surge in cybercrime.
“We are doing everything to ensure the successful prosecution of offenders. Currently, I am handling about 16 high-profile romance scams — seven of which involve the FBI and three in collaboration with the UK authorities,” he revealed.
He commended the Africa Centre for Digital Transformation for its continued advocacy and called for greater public-private cooperation to strengthen Ghana’s cyber resilience.
“The rising losses highlight the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity awareness and vigilance across all sectors of Ghana’s digital economy,” Colonel Bessi cautioned.
