Online fraud, cyberbullying, and blackmail dominate Ghana’s cybercrime cases in 2025 — CSA Report – Life Pulse Daily
Editor-in-chiefOctober 25, 20253 Mins read17
Online fraud, cyberbullying, and blackmail dominate Ghana’s cybercrime cases in 2025 — CSA Report – Life Pulse Daily
Ghana’s Rising Cybercrime Crisis: Fraud, Cyberbullying, and Blackmail Top 2025 CSA Report Findings
The Ghana Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has released its 2025 mid-year report, revealing alarming trends in the exploitation of Ghana’s rapidly growing digital ecosystem. For the first nine months of 2025, online fraud, cyberbullying, and blackmail accounted for over 50% of all reported cybercrime cases. This shift underscores the urgent need for enhanced digital literacy, stricter enforcement, and public-private collaboration to safeguard Ghana’s digital future.
Analysis of Ghana’s 2025 Cybercrime Surge
Online Fraud Emerges as the Leading Threat
With 1,200 reported cases, online fraud dominates Ghana’s cybercrime landscape, comprising 37% of all incidents. The most prevalent scams include:
- Mobile Money Fraud: Exploiting Ghana’s reliance on mobile financial services like MTN Mobile Money and Vodafone Cash.
- Phishing Attacks: Fraudulent emails or messages mimicking banks, government agencies, or popular social platforms.
- Fake Investment Schemes: Targeting individuals with promises of high returns on cryptocurrency or real estate.
Total financial losses from fraud reached ₵42 million (approx. $3.5 million USD), with small businesses and young professionals disproportionately impacted.
Cyberbullying: A Growing Gendered Crisis
Cyberbullying cases surged to 738 in 2025, marking a 22% increase year-on-year. Women and adolescents constitute 68% of documented victims, with social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram identified as primary arenas for harassment. Common tactics include:
- Non-consensual sharing of personal images
- Hate speech targeting ethnic or religious identity
- Coordinated threats to marginalize minority groups
The CSA has prioritized partnering with Meta and WhatsApp to improve reporting mechanisms for Ghanaian users.
Blackmail and Data Exploitation
Ranked third with 507 cases, blackmail incidents often involve perpetrators threatening to expose private content unless victims pay bribes in cryptocurrency. Data disclosure cases (288 reports) typically involve firms failing to protect customer information, in violation of Ghana’s 2020 Cybersecurity Act.
Key Drivers of the Cybercrime Spike
- Digital Adoption: 12 million Ghanaians now use digital platforms daily, yet 63% lack basic cybersecurity knowledge.
- Weak Legal Enforcement: Only 15 convictions under the 2020 Cybersecurity Act were recorded in 2025, reflecting judicial delays.
- Cross-Border Complexity
Scammers often operate from foreign jurisdictions, complicating Ghana’s ability to secure indictments.
Key Takeaways from the CSA Report
Top 5 Cybercrime Categories in Ghana (2025)
- Online Fraud (37%)
- Cyberbullying (23%)
- Blackmail (16%)
- Unauthorized Data Access (12%)
- Digital Extortion (12%)
Demographic Vulnerabilities
Age groups most at risk:
- 18–24 years: Targeted for mobile money scams
- 25–35 years: Common victims of job-related phishing
- 36–50 years: Primary targets of blackmail via professional email hacks
Practical Advice for Ghanaians
Protect Yourself from Online Fraud
- Verify Transactions: Confirm mobile money transfers directly with the sender using official channels.
- Enable 2FA: Use two-factor authentication for email and banking accounts.
- Beware of Unsolicited Links: Delete messages from unknown numbers demanding urgent payments.
Countering Cyberbullying
- Report harassment to the CSA via the national helpline: CyberCrime Reporting Portal
- Document evidence (screenshots, URLs) and block aggressors immediately.
Points of Caution
- Avoid DIY Investigations: Engaging with scammers risks escalation or financial/legal repercussions.
- Do Not Publicize Sensitive Data: Sharing personal details on social media increases vulnerability to blackmail.
- Ignore ‘Recovery Offers’: Fraudsters often pose as cybersecurity experts to extract more money.
Legal Implications: Weaknesses and Opportunities
Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act mandates penalties up to ₵150,000 ($12,500 USD) or 10-year imprisonment for fraud. However, only 12% of 2025 blackmail cases resulted in arrests, highlighting systemic gaps. The National Cyber Security Policy (2024–2029) proposes:
- Establishing a 24/7 Cyber Crime Response Unit
- Imposing mandatory data breach notifications for firms
Legal experts stress that improving inter-agency coordination between CSA, EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission), and INTERPOL is critical.
How Does Ghana Compare Globally?
While Ghana’s cybercrime rate (4.2% of internet traffic) is lower than Kenya’s (6.5%), it ranks highest in West Africa for blackmail intensity. Nigeria reports higher fraud volumes due to its larger population, but Ghana’s per capita impact is more concentrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report cybercrime in Ghana?
Submit complaints via the CSA’s official portal or WhatsApp (*654# for MoMo fraud).
What penalties apply to cyberbullies?
Under Article 27 of the Cybersecurity Act, offenders face fines up to ₵1,000 ($83 USD) or imprisonment for 1–3 years.
Conclusion: Securing Ghana’s Digital Future
The CSA’s report reinforces that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Ghanaians must adopt safer online habits while policymakers prioritize funding for awareness campaigns and tech infrastructure. As digital adoption grows, proactive measures remain essential to protect the nation’s economic and social fabric.
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