Omanghana
Ghana recorded GH¢209.7 million in financial losses linked to cybercrime during the first nine months of 2026, according to figures from the Cyber Security Authority (CSA).
The amount, equivalent to approximately US$18 million, is more than nine times the GH¢22.5 million reported for the whole of 2025.
A total of 4,938 cybersecurity incidents were recorded between January and September 2026, compared with 4,604 cases throughout 2025. Social engineering, online scams, digital fraud and human error were among the factors contributing to the losses.
Reported Cybercrime Figures
| Period | Reported incidents | Financial losses |
|---|---|---|
| January–December 2025 | 4,604 | GH¢22.5 million |
| January–September 2026 | 4,938 | GH¢209.7 million |
CSA Director-General Dr. Divine Selasi Agbeti said the true economic impact could be higher because some individuals and businesses do not report incidents, often because of embarrassment or fear of public ridicule.
Concern Over Digital Transformation
Speaking at the Cybersecure Ghana International Conference 2026 in Accra, Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations Mohammed Adams Supari said rising cybercrime losses threatened Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.
He called for stronger institutional accountability and improvements in cyber resilience across public and private organizations.
The CSA has also announced plans to establish a regional office in the Volta Region by the end of 2026. The office is expected to support local law enforcement and improve response times.
Protecting Against Online Fraud
Security officials have urged individuals and businesses to take precautions when using digital financial services and responding to online messages. These include:
- Verify payment requests: Confirm a recipient’s identity independently before sending money through mobile money or a bank account.
- Protect PINs and passwords: Do not share personal identification numbers or one-time passwords, including with people claiming to represent a bank or service provider.
- Be cautious with links: Avoid unsolicited investment offers, unexpected password-reset links and messages asking for account credentials.
- Use official channels: Contact the organization directly through a trusted phone number or website if a message or transaction request appears suspicious.
Source: Omanghana
