President John Mahama has issued a strong warning against romance scams and financial cybercrimes, declaring that Ghana will intensify efforts to prosecute offenders, whether Ghanaian or foreign nationals.
Speaking at the launch of the National Cyber Security Awareness Month and the inauguration of the Joint Cyber Security Committee on October 1, President Mahama emphasized Ghana’s commitment to international cooperation in combating cybercrime.
“Some are romance scams, and recently we’ve been collaborating with our international partners. Anybody involved in romance scams—whether a foreigner or a Ghanaian—will be handed over to face justice,” the President stated.
He revealed that ongoing investigations had uncovered the involvement of insiders within financial institutions who were aiding cybercriminals from within the system.
“Some people working in financial institutions have exploited their positions to facilitate cybercrime. The Bank of Ghana and cybersecurity agencies have arrested some of these individuals, and punishment has been swift,” Mahama said.
The President also raised concerns about the growing spread of hate speech on digital platforms, cautioning that divisive online content poses a serious threat to national unity.
“There are messages posted online that seek to create division between ethnic groups. That is becoming far too common, and our Cybersecurity Authority must tackle this head-on,” he warned.
Highlighting the progress of international cooperation, President Mahama noted that several Ghanaians have already been extradited to the United States this year to face cybercrime charges, thanks to joint operations with agencies like the FBI.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Sam George, announced that the government is taking steps to strengthen Ghana’s legal framework for cybercrime.
He disclosed that the Ministry is collaborating with the Attorney-General’s Office and the Ministry of Justice to establish specialised courts dedicated to prosecuting cybercrime cases.
“Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving. That is why we are reviewing the Cybersecurity Act 2020 (Act 1038) to ensure our laws remain effective and responsive,” the Minister said.
He added that the Cybersecurity Authority, in collaboration with the Police CID, has already arrested hundreds of cybercrime suspects this year alone.
“We are committed to ensuring swift justice for cybercrime offences, and the establishment of a dedicated court is part of that agenda,” he concluded.
Ghana’s renewed focus on cybersecurity aims not only to deter criminals but also to assure citizens and the international community that the country is taking firm action against digital threats and financial fraud.
