Launches nationwide media strike force to crush rising cybercrime syndicates
The Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Divine Selase Agbeti, has called for stronger collaboration between government, security agencies and the media to combat the growing threat of cybercrime in Ghana.
Speaking at the launch of the National Community Media Cyber Capacity-Building Project (NCMCCBP) in Accra on Monday, Mr. Agbeti said cybercrime has become a daily reality for many Ghanaians, with crimes such as mobile money fraud, online investment scams, romance fraud, identity theft, sextortion, business email compromise and impersonation becoming increasingly common.
Addressing participants on the theme, “Advancing Ghana’s National Security and Cyber Defence Objectives Through Community Media Strengthening for Cybercrime Awareness and Digital Communication,“ he noted that while Ghana’s digital transformation has created significant opportunities for economic growth and innovation, it has also provided new avenues for organised criminal networks.
Mr. Agbeti said the Cyber Security Authority, working closely with the Ghana Police Service, National Security, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the National Signals Bureau (NSB) and international partners, have intensified efforts to dismantle cybercrime syndicates through arrests and prosecutions.
He stressed that cybercrime is organised crime that requires coordinated action among institutions to effectively tackle it.
The CSA Director-General described the media as one of the country’s strongest allies in the fight against cybercrime, saying journalists play a vital role not only in reporting incidents but also in preventing them through public education.
According to him, discussions on radio and television, particularly in local languages, can help expose emerging scams, educate citizens on online safety and prevent thousands of people from becoming victims.
He further warned that cyber threats are increasingly linked to organised crime, violent extremism and terrorism, with criminal groups exploiting digital platforms to spread propaganda, recruit followers, raise funds and manipulate public opinion.
Mr. Agbeti urged journalists to report responsibly by informing the public without spreading fear or amplifying criminal and extremist messages.
He explained that the National Community Media Cyber Capacity-Building Project seeks to build a nationwide network of journalists equipped with the knowledge and skills to communicate cybersecurity issues accurately and effectively across both urban and rural communities.
“Our vision is simple: Every Ghanaian should have the knowledge to stay safe online,” he said.
As part of the initiative, the CSA plans to establish a Cyber Security Press Corps, a dedicated network of journalists trained to report on cyber threats and their national security implications while providing timely and accurate information to the public.
Mr. Agbeti encouraged participants to fully engage in the programme, saying the expertise they acquire could help prevent countless Ghanaians from falling victim to cybercriminals.
He expressed appreciation to the Africa Center for Digital Transformation for partnering with the CSA to implement the project and thanked the Embassy of the Czech Republic for its financial and technical support, describing the contribution as an investment in Ghana’s digital resilience and national security.
He also commended the country’s security and law enforcement agencies for their continued collaboration in protecting Ghana’s cyberspace.
The CSA Director-General emphasised that cybersecurity is a shared national responsibility requiring the active participation of government, industry, civil society, law enforcement agencies and the media.
“When government, law enforcement, industry, civil society and the media work together, cybercriminals have fewer places to hide, and our citizens become safer,” he said.
He called on all stakeholders to work together to build a cyber-aware, cyber-resilient and cyber-secure Ghana.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mr Mohammed Adams Sukparu, said cyber security had become an important part of Ghana’s digital development agenda.
Mr Sukparu said cyber threats continued to evolve, making cyber security an economic, governance, national security and development issue.
He said cyber fraud had become so widespread that even senior government officials were falling victim.
Mr Sukparu disclosed that the Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority, Mr Divine Selase Agbeti, had informed him that two chief executives and a deputy minister were defrauded the previous week.
He said the incident showed that no Ghanaian, regardless of position, was beyond the reach of cyber criminals.
Mr Sukparu also recounted an experience during the 2024 general election campaign when he warned a family in his constituency that an offer of a vehicle from an overseas contact was fraudulent. He said the family ignored his advice, paid money to the fraudsters and later realised they had been deceived after losing the money.