The Ghana Cybersecurity Authority (CSA) says it blocked more than 1,300 SIM cards tied to network-related crimes after a spike in online scams and abuse.
Why it matters
Online fraud has become Ghana’s most widespread cyber threat, reflecting a troubling rise in digital criminal activity. According to Isaac Socrates Mensah, Senior Manager at the CSA, nearly half of all reported cybercrime cases this year were linked to online fraud.
By the numbers (CSA data)
- Impersonation scams: GH¢5.66 million in losses.
- Online blackmail: GH¢595,000 in losses; 142 numbers deactivated — Telecel (39), MTN (84), AT (19).
- Unauthorised access: GH¢172,876 in losses.
- Information disclosure: GH¢12,079 in losses.
Network takedowns by incident type:
- Account takeovers: 151 numbers — Telecel (96), MTN (40), AT (15).
- Investment scams: 284 numbers — Telecel (167), MTN (103), AT (14).
- Cyberbullying & online child exploitation: 491 numbers — MTN (365), Telecel (94), AT (32).
- Mobile money fraud: 19 numbers — Telecel (3), MTN (13), AT (3).
Between the lines
Mensah revealed the data during a cybersecurity awareness event organised by the Financial Intelligence Centre and the CSA on October 8, 2025. He said forms of online crime are diversifying, now including shopping scams, fake loan offers, romance and job scams, and unauthorised access to accounts.
What to watch
- Whether telecoms tighten SIM registration and identity verification systems.
- If regulators push for stronger cross-network takedown processes.
- How law enforcement coordinates with financial institutions and platforms to combat online blackmail and scams.
The bottom line
The CSA’s takedown efforts are helping blunt the spread of cybercrime, but the scale of online fraud and financial loss suggests prevention, stronger verification systems, and public awareness campaigns are urgently needed.
