“We’re on your trail, justice will catch Up with you” - Sam George warns cyber fraudsters

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George (MP), has issued a strong warning to cybercriminals exploiting foreign nationals for online fraud, vowing that law enforcement agencies are closing in on them.

Speaking at the official launch of the 2025 National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) at the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Auditorium on Wednesday, the Minister declared:

“Let me sound a warning to those exploiting foreign nationals to perpetrate cyber fraud: we are on your trail, and we will bring you to justice.”

The Minister's remarks come amid rising concerns over Ghana’s growing exposure to cyber threats, despite the country’s increasing digital integration.

Citing alarming statistics, Sam George revealed that Ghana recorded GHS 23.3 million in cybercrime-related financial losses in 2024, with an additional GHS 14.9 million lost in just the first half of 2025.

The bulk of these cases, he said, involved online fraud, digital blackmail, and unauthorized access.

He highlighted recent joint operations between the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, which resulted in a wave of arrests:

• 39 suspects apprehended in Tema last month, and

• 65 cybercrime-related arrests between May and July 2025, many of which were connected to sophisticated scams targeting foreigners.

  

The 2025 NCSAM is being held under the theme “Building a Safe, Informed, and Accountable Digital Space”, with a focus on combating misinformation, disinformation, and deepfake technology, as well as enhancing individual and institutional responsibility in cyberspace.

Hon. George referenced DataReportal’s 2025 Digital Report, which indicates that Ghana now has over 24.3 million internet users—representing 70% penetration—and ranks 15th globally in social media adoption, with 7.95 million active identities. 

He stressed that while digital growth offers immense opportunity, it also provides a playground for criminal networks.

To bolster digital safety frameworks, the Minister announced that his Ministry is working on amendments to the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) to ensure that Ghana’s regulatory environment keeps pace with evolving threats.

He also praised the media for its role in raising awareness and called for greater collaboration in the fight against cybercrime:

“This campaign cannot succeed without your active participation. The media must help educate the public about online exploitation, cyberbullying, and fraud,” he added.

The month-long campaign is expected to feature public education drives, workshops, school outreach programmes, and collaborative initiatives with law enforcement, private sector partners, and civil society.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith