“Online fraud alone accounted for a staggering 36% of all reported cases" - CSA Bo

The Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Mr. Divine Selase Agbeti, has sounded the alarm over the rising tide of cyber threats facing Ghana, urging citizens, institutions, and stakeholders to step up vigilance and digital safety practices amid a sharp rise in online attacks and fraud.

Speaking at the launch of the 2025 National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), Mr. Agbeti provided a stark assessment of the country's current cybersecurity landscape.

He revealed that the number of reported cyber incidents has seen a dramatic spike — climbing from 1,317 cases recorded in the first half of 2024 to 2,008 cases within the same period in 2025.

The 52% year-on-year increase highlights the growing exposure of individuals and organisations to digital risks.

“Online fraud alone accounted for a staggering 36% of all reported cases,” Mr. Agbeti stated.

"This was followed by cyberbullying, which made up 25%, online blackmail at 14%, unauthorized access at 12%, and information disclosure incidents at 9%.”

He stressed that these trends are not only threatening user privacy and mental wellbeing but also taking a significant toll on the economy.

Financial losses linked to cybercrime reached GHS 14.9 million in the first half of 2025 — representing a 17% increase compared to the same period last year.

Notably, more than 94% of these losses were attributed to online fraud and impersonation.

“These statistics underscore the urgency of our mission. The cyber threat landscape is rapidly evolving, and so must our approach to defending our digital space,” the CSA chief added.

Mr. Agbeti’s remarks supported the call made earlier by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, who launched the awareness month with an emphatic appeal for shared responsibility in building a secure and accountable digital ecosystem.

The NCSAM 2025 is themed "Empowering a Cyber-Ready Ghana: Safe Digital Practices for All", and will feature a series of nationwide campaigns, stakeholder engagements, community outreaches, and training sessions aimed at equipping citizens with the knowledge and tools to stay safe online.

The CSA Director-General urged all Ghanaians to actively participate in the awareness programs throughout October and to report any suspicious online activity through the Authority’s official channels.

He reiterated that cybersecurity is a collective duty that requires proactive measures from individuals, businesses, and government alike.

“Cybersecurity is no longer a technical issue reserved for experts. It’s a daily concern for everyone who uses a smartphone, an ATM, or even sends an email,” Mr. Agbeti emphasized.

As the digital economy expands, experts warn that threats will continue to grow in sophistication and scale.

Authorities are therefore pushing for stronger public-private collaboration, improved reporting systems, and enhanced cybersecurity education across all sectors of society.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith