Ghana recorded an estimated GHS209.7 million in financial losses from reported cybersecurity incidents between January and September 2026, Dr Divine Selasi Agbeti, the Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), has disclosed.
He said the Authority recorded 4,938 cybersecurity incidents during the period, compared with 4,604 incidents involving reported financial losses of more than GHS22.5 million in 2025.
Dr Agbeti described the figures as a worrying development, urging individuals, businesses and public institutions to strengthen their cybersecurity practices and remain vigilant against online fraud and other digital threats.
He was speaking at the fifth annual Cyber Secure Volta Regional Conference in Ho, Dr Agbeti said the reported cases represented only part of the problem, as some victims remained reluctant to report incidents because of embarrassment, fear of public ridicule or other concerns.
He said victims of online fraud, blackmail, cyberbullying and extortion needed to be encouraged to report such incidents to the appropriate authorities to enable investigations and help prevent further victimisation.
The Director-General said human error and social engineering accounted for a significant proportion of cybersecurity incidents, making public education and responsible online behaviour essential in the fight against cybercrime.
He announced that the CSA intended to establish an office in the Volta Region before the end of 2026 to support law enforcement agencies and strengthen the response to cybercrime in the area.
He said the Government and the Authority remained committed to ensuring that Ghana did not become a haven for cybercriminals, adding that arrests and prosecutions had been pursued since 2025, including operations in the Volta Region.
Dr Agbeti cautioned residents against allowing their communities to become hiding places for cybercriminals, urging them to report suspicious activities, including unusual accommodation arrangements and unexplained displays of wealth.
He advised landlords to make reasonable enquiries before renting their properties and encouraged community members to report suspected cybercrime through the CSA’s short code, 292, which he said was available around the clock.
On digital financial services, he cautioned users of mobile money, internet banking and digital wallets against suspicious investment offers, unrealistic returns and requests to transfer money to unfamiliar accounts.
He also advised the public to protect passwords and other sensitive information and to verify payment requests before authorising transactions.
