When we talk about cybersecurity, this is one of the sectors that Ghanaians should be mindful of. Recently in a report, we noted that the Cyber security Authority (CSA) has announced that Ghana recorded over 300 incidences of online fraud between from the beginning of the year to March 2025 within this few months, resulting in cash losses reaching over GHC 4 million.
Mr Jake France, being the head of Cybersecurity Technology Standards at the CSA, had a speech which was held in accordance with the media at the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) fourth Conference on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and Emerging Technologies, held in collaboration with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Accra.
Breakdown of the Financial Losses
He made mention of the jump in losses to a rise in sextortion, website defacement, blackmail, and mobile money (MoMo) fraud. In order to lessen the growing threat of cybercrime in the nation, he went on by saying that the Authority is still educating the people about safe online activities.
How the Cyber Fraud Incidents Occurred
The public asked to remain cautious online and to keep on reporting suspicious cyber activities to the proper authorities for timely action. The team also said that the Cyber Security Authority is still dedicated to raising cybersecurity awareness and guaranteeing a safer online environment for all Ghanaian users.
CSA’s Response to the Rising Cyber Threats
They highlighted that the CSA has improved engagement with telecommunication networks, the Ghana Police Service, and other law enforcement agencies to ensure digital safety and stem the rising cases of mobile money fraud and identity theft.
Impact on Individuals and Businesses
He further noted that the Authority is engaging the Ministry of Education to integrate cybersecurity education into the school curriculum to provide young people with the knowledge and skills needed to stay safe online.
Recommended Measures to Reduce Cyber Fraud
The Pro Vice-Chancellor of GCTU, Professor Ebenezer Malcalm, appreciated the CSA’s ambition to promote cybersecurity instruction at all levels of study and also help them educate students awareness on such problems.
Government and Stakeholder Involvement
Prof Malcom went on by saying that the conference aims to investigate both the opportunities and difficulties connected with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, focussing on crucial areas such as Artificial Intelligence (Al), the Internet of Things (loT), robotics, and cybersecurity. He underlined how crucial it is to manage related risks like cybercrime and data insecurity as new technologies continue to transform businesses and communities.
Future Risks if Cyber Fraud Trends Continue
He highlighted that the outputs of the conference are expected to contribute considerably to Ghana’s technological and academic growth, enhancing the country’s ability to thrive in the fast-evolving global digital scene. He also said that this will not only enhance the university’s research output but also broaden the horizon of discourse on emerging technologies while bringing critical thinkers together to propose practical solutions to the multifaceted challenges posed by the digital revolution.
In order to promote academic collaboration and develop research in technology-driven sectors, the event attracted a lot of participants, including academics, researchers, and technology specialists, who presented scholarly papers on various aspects of emerging and disruptive technologies.
Conclusion
When we talk about Cyber fraud in Ghana it one of the attacks people don’t really pay attention and how urgently the country must strengthen its digital defenses to avoid such crimes. The report made by CSA’s recently isn’t just remainder but rather a warning cybercriminals are becoming smarter, faster, and more coordinated. In recent times Protecting citizens, businesses, and national systems will need a consistent education forum to strengthen security measures, and closer collaboration between government and private sector players. As digital services continue to expand, staying active and vigilant and proactive is the best way as citizen or a Ghanaian can reduce these financial losses and build a safer online environment for all of us. Read more on GhIPSS will promote a cooperative strategy to combat cyber fraud in Ghana
