‎The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Honourable Samuel Nartey George (MP), has officially launched the 2025 edition of the National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), with a strong call for collective responsibility in building a safer and more accountable digital environment.

‎Speaking at the media launch held yesterday at the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Auditorium, he said the growing use of digital platforms for business, education, and social interaction must go hand in hand with improved cyber hygiene and institutional accountability.

‎Hon. Nartey George noted that this year’s campaign, themed “Building a Safe, Informed, and Accountable Digital Space,” focuses on countering misinformation, disinformation, and deepfake manipulation, while pushing for greater responsibility from both citizens and institutions.

‎Citing DataReportal’s Digital Report 2025, the Minister noted that 24.3 million Ghanaians, representing 70% internet penetration, were online, while 7.95 million identities were active on social media, ranking Ghana 15th globally in social media adoption. “The same connectivity that drives innovation also provides an avenue for exploitation by cybercriminals,” he cautioned.

‎He said statistics from CSA indicates that Ghana has recorded cybercrime-related financial losses of GHS 23.3 million in 2024 and GHS 14.9 million in the first half of 2025 alone, mainly through online fraud, blackmail, and unauthorized access.

‎The Minister also disclosed that the Ministry was working to amend the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) to strengthen regulations that balance digital innovation with user safety.

‎He commended the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the CSA for successful joint operations, including a crackdown in Tema that led to the arrest of 39 suspects last month, and earlier operations between May and July 2025 that saw 65 arrests—many linked to sophisticated cyber fraud schemes. “Let me sound a warning to those exploiting foreign nationals to perpetrate cyber fraud: we are on your trail, and we will bring you to justice,” he said.

‎Hon. George underscored the critical role of the media, urging journalists to use their platforms to raise awareness on issues such as cyberbullying, fraud, and online exploitation. “This campaign cannot succeed without your active participation,” he said.

‎Adding to the Minister’s call, the Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority, Mr. Divine Selase Agbeti, highlighted the urgent threats confronting Ghana’s digital space. He revealed that reported cyber incidents jumped from 1,317 cases in the first half of 2024 to 2,008 cases in the same period this year, underscoring citizens’ growing exposure to online risks.

‎“Online fraud alone accounted for 36% of all reported cases, while cyberbullying stood at 25%, online blackmail at 14%, unauthorized access at 12%, and information disclosure at 9%,” Mr. Agbeti stated.

‎He added that financial losses have risen 17% year-on-year, reaching GHS 14.9 million in the first half of 2025, with fraud and impersonation responsible for more than 94% of these losses.

‎The Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana, Ing. Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann, emphasized the essential role of academia in Ghana’s cybersecurity agenda.

‎She described Ghana’s digital transformation—spanning mobile payments, telemedicine, online education, and smart governance—as a driver of innovation and economic growth, but cautioned that “cyberspace is not inherently safe.”

‎Prof. Kaufmann shared her personal experience of being a target of disinformation on social media, noting that just days ago she was falsely reported dead online.

‎“The very technologies that connect us and drive progress can also be exploited to undermine trust, disrupt economies, and erode the rights and freedoms of citizens,” she warned.

‎She outlined three key areas where academia contributes to strengthening cybersecurity: Research, Capacity Building and Innovation.

Months ago, Telecom giant MTN Group confirmed a cybersecurity breach that may have compromised the personal data of approximately 5,700 customers in Ghana.

In a statement dated April 28, MTN acknowledged the incident, noting that while the full extent of the breach was still under investigation, "early indications were that about 5,700 MTN Ghana customers' data may have been affected."

The company emphasized that all its platforms remained functional and that it closely monitored its systems to safeguard operations. "The confidentiality, integrity and availability of our systems remain central to how we operate and serve our customers," MTN stated.

The affected customers were to be contacted directly, according to the company, which had since launched a forensic investigation in partnership with top cybersecurity professionals. "We are working closely with leading cybersecurity experts and are conducting a forensic investigation to assess any impact to our environment in line with our established security protocols."

Although investigations were ongoing, MTN urged all customers to take extra precautions. Users were advised to remain alert and follow standard cybersecurity practices. These included updating all MTN, Mobile Money (MoMo), and banking applications; using strong, unique passwords; and being wary of suspicious messages or links.

Customers were also reminded not to share sensitive information like passwords, PINs, or One-Time Passwords (OTPs) via phone calls, texts, or emails, and to enable multifactor authentication wherever possible. In cases of suspected fraud, MTN recommended placing a fraud alert with major credit bureaus.

"We understand that this incident may raise concerns," the company said, assuring customers that their privacy remains a top priority. "We will continue to contain and manage this matter carefully."

MTN has since encouraged concerned customers to reach out through its toll-free number 100 for further information or assistance.