Cybersecurity authorities have warned of a sharp rise in cybercrime in Ghana, with reported financial losses estimated at more than GH¢209 million between January and September 2026.
The Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Dr Divine Selase Agbeti, said the growing threat requires stronger public awareness, community vigilance and collective action.
He spoke at the 2026 Volta Regional Cyber Security Conference in Ho, held as part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. It was organised by the Volta Regional Coordinating Council with the CSA, the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) and the Genius IT Foundation.
Incidents and losses rise
Dr Agbeti said the CSA recorded 4,604 cybersecurity incidents in 2025, with reported losses exceeding GH¢22.5 million. Between January and September 2026, it recorded 4,938 incidents, with estimated losses of more than GH¢209 million.
He cautioned that the figures cover only cases reported to the Authority, so the actual scale could be higher. He named online fraud, cyberbullying, sextortion and other forms of digital abuse as growing concerns.
Call for vigilance
Dr Agbeti also raised concern about criminal networks operating from parts of the Volta Region. He said some suspects had relocated from Accra to Ho to evade law enforcement.
He urged residents to report suspicious activity, particularly properties where large numbers of young people appear to operate computers and internet equipment through the night under questionable circumstances. He encouraged landlords to carry out due diligence before renting out property.
Suspected cybercrime can be reported to the CSA on its toll-free short code, 292. He also warned against fraudulent investment schemes, stolen passwords, hacked email accounts and attempts to obtain confidential financial information.
Other speakers
The Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, Professor Lydia Aziato, said the university relies on digital technology for teaching, examinations, administration and collaboration with international partners. She said the university is working to expand access to digital skills training through the One Million Coders Programme, open to students, staff and surrounding communities.
The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, urged public servants to use strong passwords, verify suspicious messages and payment requests, safeguard confidential information and report suspected incidents promptly.
The Executive Director of the Genius IT Foundation, Desmond Kitsi, said the foundation launched its awareness initiative in 2022. He said about 1,600 young people were sensitised in the previous year. He urged the public to preserve evidence of cybercrime and report incidents promptly.
The conference was held under the theme “Securing Ghana’s Digital Finance Ecosystem: Building Trust Through Collaboration and Cyber Resilience”.
Source: prekehmedia – LINK