"Anybody involved in these scams will face trial, punishment” - Prez. Mahama on cybercrime

President John Dramani Mahama has issued a strong warning to perpetrators of cybercrime, stating that individuals involved in online scams—whether foreign nationals or Ghanaian citizens—will face prosecution without exception.

“Anybody involved in these scams, whether a foreigner or a Ghanaian citizen, will be handed over to face trial and punishment,” President Mahama declared during the launch of the National Cyber Security Awareness Month and inauguration of the Joint Cyber Security Committee in Accra.

The President underscored the growing threat of cybercrime, including romance scams, financial fraud, and insider breaches within financial institutions.

He revealed that some banking staff have already been arrested for abusing their access to aid fraudulent activities, warning that "punishment is normally swift."

Mr. Mahama also raised concerns about the rise of online hate speech, particularly content aimed at inciting ethnic divisions.

“This is becoming commonplace, and it is something our Cybersecurity Authority and allied agencies must address,” he cautioned.

Meanwhile, Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Sam George, announced that the government is collaborating with the Attorney-General’s Office and the Ministry of Justice to establish specialised courts for cybercrime cases.

“Given the evolving nature of cybersecurity threats, the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) is currently under review to ensure our laws remain robust, forward-looking, and capable of tackling emerging challenges,” George stated.

He further disclosed that hundreds of cybercrime suspects have already been arrested this year, thanks to efforts by the Cybersecurity Authority and the Police CID.

On his part, the Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Divine Selase Agbeti stressed the urgent need for shared responsibility in safeguarding Ghana’s digital space, calling cybersecurity a “collective national duty” that affects every aspect of modern life.

Mr. Agbeti said the 2025 theme, “Building a Safe, Informed and Accountable Digital Space,” reinforces the reality that a secure online environment is fundamental to Ghana’s national development.

“Cybersecurity impacts everything — governance, commerce, education, healthcare, and our personal lives. A secure and trustworthy digital environment is essential to our growth and prosperity as a nation,” he said.

Mr. Agbeti called on all Ghanaians to improve their digital literacy and practice responsible online behaviour, warning that as technology evolves—especially with the rise of Artificial Intelligence—cybercriminals are also becoming more sophisticated.

“Online safety begins with each one of us. We must act more decisively and collectively to secure our digital ecosystem,” he added, noting that cyber resilience requires active partnerships between government, the private sector, civil society, and international allies.

Highlighting the government's cybersecurity strategy, Mr. Agbeti announced that the Cyber Security Authority has intensified the implementation of regulations governing Ghana’s Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) under Sections 35 to 40 of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038).

“With the support of the Minister and in line with the government’s strategic plan, the CSA is actively engaging critical sectors to strengthen cybersecurity standards, ensure compliance, and safeguard our national digital assets,” he revealed.

Taking his turn, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, Interior Minister revealed that Ghana’s Cybercrime Unit has been ranked among the top-performing teams in Operation Contender III, an INTERPOL-led initiative involving 14 African countries to dismantle cybercrime networks.

He revealed that the Ghana Police Service arrested 68 suspected cybercriminals, identified 108 victims, and seized 835 digital devices linked to cybercrime activities during the August 2025 operation.

“This remarkable achievement underscores the Government’s commitment to protecting our digital space and supporting global efforts to combat cybercrime,” Muntaka stated.

He highlighted five key pillars driving the police’s cybercrime response:

1. Cybercrime Investigation and Digital Forensics

2. Intelligence Gathering and Threat Monitoring

3. Capacity Building and Training

4. Public Awareness Campaigns

5. International Collaboration

The Minister noted that Ghana’s Digital Forensics Lab is now fully operational, aiding investigations into mobile money fraud, impersonation, sextortion, and financial cybercrime.

He added that proactive threat monitoring tools and partnerships with INTERPOL, academic institutions, and even the Chinese Ministry of Public Security are enhancing the country’s cyber response capabilities.

Public education efforts, including outreach through GH Police TV, and collaborations with telecoms, banks, and civil society, are also helping to raise awareness and protect vulnerable groups—especially the youth—from digital threats.

“Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility,” Muntaka noted.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith