Deputy Minister for Communication, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, has shared a personal experience of foiling a cyber fraud attempt in his constituency, highlighting the sophistication of cybercriminals and the need for caution when interacting online. The incident involved a young man who received a call from someone claiming to be a former classmate living in the US, offering to help him travel abroad. Sukparu's intervention, however, led to accusations of being "greedy" and not wanting others to prosper.
The would-be victim's family was initially excited about the opportunity, but Sukparu's inquiries raised concerns about the arrangement's authenticity. Despite his warnings, the family proceeded to pay GH¢10,000 as a visa processing fee, which ultimately led to a dead end. The telephone numbers provided by the scammers became unreachable, and the case is now under investigation by the Cyber Security Authority. Sukparu's experience illustrates how cybercriminals can exploit publicly available information to build profiles of potential victims.
The incident occurred against the backdrop of Ghana recording significant growth in digital financial services, alongside increasing cybersecurity concerns. According to the Cyber Security Authority, 3,876 cybersecurity incidents were recorded in Ghana between January and July 2026. Online fraud accounts for approximately 47 percent of these cases, with 1,818 incidents reported. The Authority's Director-General, Dr Divine Selase Agbeti, is aware of Sukparu's case and is investigating it.
Sukparu's story serves as a warning to Ghanaians to exercise greater caution when interacting with strangers online. He noted that cybercriminals can monitor people's social-media activities, interactions, and publicly available personal information to launch targeted attacks. The Deputy Minister's experience demonstrates the need for awareness and education on cybersecurity best practices to prevent such incidents.
The Cyber Security Authority is taking steps to address the growing concern of cybersecurity incidents in Ghana. The Authority's efforts aim to educate the public on the risks associated with online activities and provide guidelines for safe online practices. The public is advised to be vigilant and report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
The case highlights the importance of collaboration between stakeholders, including government agencies, financial institutions, and the public, to combat cybercrime. Sukparu's experience demonstrates that cybercriminals can be sophisticated and convincing, making it essential for individuals to be cautious and verify information before taking action.
As Ghana continues to experience growth in digital financial services, the need for robust cybersecurity measures becomes increasingly important. The Cyber Security Authority's efforts to raise awareness and prevent cybersecurity incidents are crucial in protecting the country's digital infrastructure and preventing financial losses.
Key points
- 3,876 cybersecurity incidents were recorded in Ghana between January and July 2026.
- Online fraud accounts for approximately 47 percent of the reported cybersecurity incidents.
- The Cyber Security Authority is investigating Sukparu's case and working to educate the public on cybersecurity best practices.
