Ghana reports sharp rise in cybercrime losses to GH¢209.7 million

Ghana has experienced a significant surge in cybercrime, with 4,938 recorded incidents resulting in estimated financial losses of GH¢209.7 million between January and September 2026. Dr. Divine Selase Agbeti, Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), noted this is a substantial increase from the GH¢22.5 million lost in 2025.

Dr. Agbeti identified human error and social engineering as primary drivers of these crimes. He cautioned that official figures likely underrepresent the true scale of the problem, as many victims of fraud, blackmail, and cyberbullying do not report incidents due to fear or embarrassment.

In response, the CSA plans to establish an office in the Volta Region by the end of 2026 to enhance law enforcement collaboration. Meanwhile, academic leaders are advocating for regional solutions. At a Pan-African workshop in Accra, Prof. Samuel Kojo Kwofie of the University of Ghana called for African-led cybersecurity initiatives guided by the philosophy of 'Digital Ubuntu' to foster collective responsibility and expertise across the continent.