Ghana is experiencing a surge in cybercrime, with individuals and businesses, particularly in the financial technology and mobile money sectors, being targeted. The country's cybersecurity landscape has seen significant challenges, with fraud-related activities on the rise. Cybersecurity expert David Gyedu has expressed concerns over the growing threat, citing the need for increased investment in cybersecurity and public education to combat the menace.
Speaking on GTV’s Breakfast Show on November 5, 2026, David Gyedu revealed alarming statistics on the rise in cybercrime losses. He stated that losses associated with cybercrime have increased significantly from GH¢22.5 million in 2025 to more than GH¢209.7 million within the first nine months of 2026. This represents a substantial rise in cybercrime-related losses, highlighting the need for urgent action to address the issue.
Mobile money fraud has been identified as one of the most widespread forms of cybercrime in Ghana. According to David Gyedu, many Ghanaians have either received fraudulent messages or encountered attempts to defraud them. The expert warned that fraudsters are taking advantage of emerging technologies and major public events to intensify their activities, making it essential for the public to remain vigilant when engaging with online platforms.
The growing use of artificial intelligence to create deepfake videos and clone voices has raised concerns among cybersecurity experts. David Gyedu warned that this technology is making it increasingly difficult for ordinary users to distinguish between authentic and manipulated content. He explained that some AI-generated videos may contain subtle facial movements and visual inconsistencies that can help viewers identify manipulated content.
AI voice-cloning technology has also become a significant threat, as it can reproduce a person’s voice with a high level of accuracy using only a short voice sample. This technology has the potential to be used for malicious purposes, such as impersonating individuals or creating fake audio recordings. David Gyedu stressed the need for increased budgetary allocation to cybersecurity, stronger public awareness campaigns, and adequate resources for security agencies to address the growing threat.
To strengthen the country’s response to emerging digital threats, David Gyedu called for the expansion of cybersecurity infrastructure beyond Accra and the training of more professionals. He also urged the public to remain cautious when engaging with online platforms, warning that cyber fraud continues to evolve alongside technological advancements. The expert's concerns highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the rising threat of cybercrime in Ghana.
The Ghanaian government and relevant stakeholders must take concrete steps to address the growing threat of cybercrime. This includes investing in cybersecurity infrastructure, increasing public awareness, and providing adequate resources for security agencies. By working together, Ghana can mitigate the risks associated with cybercrime and protect its citizens from the devastating effects of these crimes.
Key points
- Losses associated with cybercrime in Ghana have risen from GH¢22.5 million in 2025 to more than GH¢209.7 million within the first nine months of 2026.
- Mobile money fraud is one of the most widespread forms of cybercrime in Ghana, with many Ghanaians receiving fraudulent messages or encountering attempts to defraud them.
- The growing use of artificial intelligence to create deepfake videos and clone voices is making it increasingly difficult for ordinary users to distinguish between authentic and manipulated content.
