By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
Telegram is increasingly being used to facilitate cybercrime in Ghana, with the platform’s anonymity making investigations difficult, according to cybersecurity expert David Gyedu.
On the GTV Breakfast show, Gyedu mentioned that law enforcement faces significant challenges tracking suspects on Telegram because of the platform’s features that allow users to operate with limited personal identification.
“Conducting investigations on the telegram platform is very difficult because of the anonymity of the platform,” he said.
Scammers exploit this by creating channels and groups to advertise fraudulent schemes, including fake online investment opportunities, Selling nede content,job offers, and product sales, often disappearing once victims send money.
Despite the difficulty, Gyedu warned that offenders are not untraceable. Digital footprints left on devices and networks can be recovered during investigations.
He noted that mobile phones, laptops, and internet service providers often retain data that can be used by forensic investigators to build cases, even when accounts are deleted.
The expert also urged the public to be cautious about the information stored and shared on personal devices. He said cybercriminals often use data obtained through phishing, malware, or social engineering to carry out fraud or extortion.
He advised users to enable two-factor authentication, avoid clicking unknown links, and limit the amount of personal data shared in online groups and chats.
Online fraud has been flagged by Ghana’s cybersecurity authorities as one of the fastest-growing cyber threats. The Cyber Security Authority has repeatedly warned citizens against transferring money to unverified contacts on social media and messaging apps.
Gyedu said public awareness and digital hygiene remain the first line of defence as agencies work to strengthen investigative capacity and cooperation with tech platforms.
