Ghana Lost Over GH¢19 Million to Cybercrime from Jan–Sept 2025 – CSA

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has revealed that Ghana lost more than GH¢19 million to various forms of cybercrime between January and September 2025, representing a 17 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Head of Law Enforcement and Liaison at the CSA, Colonel George Eduah Bessi, disclosed the figures during a cybersecurity awareness webinar organised by the Africa Centre for Digital Transformation on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

He described the situation as “alarming,” noting that the data underscores the growing threat cybercrime poses to Ghana’s economy and citizens.

According to the CSA, the country recorded 2,008 cyber incidents in the first half of 2025 — a 52 percent rise from the previous year.

Online fraud remains the most prevalent cyber threat, accounting for 37 percent of all incidents. This category includes phishing attacks, fake investment schemes, and mobile money scams.

Between January and September 2025, the CSA 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 incidents, with women and young people being the most affected.

Colonel Bessi said the CSA is intensifying efforts to enforce cybersecurity regulations and promote public awareness to curb the rising trend.

“We are doing everything to make sure that we get our first prosecution. Currently, I have about 16 high-profile romance scam cases — seven involving Ghana and the FBI, and three between Ghana and the UK,” he revealed.

He commended the Africa Centre for Digital Transformation for its advocacy, stressing that public-private collaboration is vital to strengthening Ghana’s cyber resilience.

“The rising losses highlight the urgent need for greater cybersecurity awareness across all sectors of Ghana’s digital economy,” Colonel Bessi cautioned.