Accra:In the first nine months of 2026, Ghana recorded 4,938 cybersecurity incidents, significantly exceeding the 4,604 cases reported throughout 2025, as announced by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA).
According to Ghana Web, Mary Ama Bawa from the CSA's Capacity Building and Awareness Creation Department emphasized the increasing threat posed by cybercrime. She highlighted the need for enhanced public education and proactive measures to safeguard individuals and businesses.
The presentation of these figures took place at the Central Regional Coordinating Council during an event for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Online fraud remained the leading category, making up 48% of the incidents reported from January to September 2026, a slight increase from 47% in 2025. Cyberbullying incidents saw a notable rise, accounting for 19% of cases in 2026, compared to 9% in the previous year. Online blackmail also increased, comprising 20% of reported cases in 2026, up from 17% in 2025.
The financial losses resulting from these incidents have also surged, with Ghana incurring GHS209.7 million in losses in the first nine months of 2026, compared to GHS22.5 million for the entire year of 2025. Bawa warned that the reported figures might not fully capture the extent of cybercrime, as many victims do not report incidents to the authorities.
Emerging threats identified by Bawa include AI-generated deepfake scams, brand impersonation, organized scam centers, automated fraud schemes, and child-related online safety violations. She expressed concerns about the safety of children, citing cyberbullying, online grooming, and sexual extortion as significant threats.
The CSA is working with social media platforms like Meta, TikTok, and Instagram to identify and remove harmful online content, particularly material involving the sexual exploitation of children. Bawa noted that those who post or share such content could face legal consequences.
In addition, the CSA is collaborating with municipal and district assemblies to bolster cybersecurity infrastructure across critical institutions, including regional coordinating councils and banks. Herald Nelson-Darko, Senior Manager at the CSA's Child Online Protection Unit, described online child sexual exploitation as a rapidly growing threat. He stressed the importance of parental involvement in children's internet use to ensure their safety.