{
  "id": 16498321,
  "title": "Cybercrime costs Ghana GH¢209.7m between January and September 2026",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/cybercrime-costs-ghana-gh-209-7m-between-january-and-september-2026",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-25T16:56:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/cybercrime-costs-ghana-gh%c2%a2209-7m-between-january-and-september-2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ghana experienced a financial impact of approximately GH¢209.7 million from cybersecurity incidents between January and September 2026, as disclosed by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) Director-General Dr Divine Selasi Agbeti. This figure represents an increase from the 4,604 cases reported in 2025, which incurred losses exceeding GH¢22.5 million. The Director-General emphasized the gravity of these statistics and urged individuals, businesses and public institutions to bolster their online security to mitigate fraud and other cyber threats. He cautioned that the reported cases did not represent the full scope of cybercrime, citing instances where victims refrained from reporting due to fear of embarrassment or public condemnation. Dr Agbeti identified human error and social engineering as significant factors contributing to cybersecurity incidents, advocating for public education and cautious internet usage. To bolster cybercrime response, the Authority plans to open a new office in the Volta Region by the end of 2026, aimed at assisting law enforcement in combating cyber-related offenses. The government and CSA remain dedicated to preventing Ghana from becoming a refuge for cybercriminals, with ongoing arrests and prosecutions since 2025, including operations in the Volta Region. The Director-General cautioned residents against harboring cybercriminals and encouraged reporting of suspicious activities, such as irregular accommodation or sudden displays of wealth. He advised landlords to conduct due diligence before renting properties and directed the public to report suspected cybercrime through the Authority's toll-free line, 292, which operates around the clock. Dr Agbeti also cautioned users of mobile money, internet banking, and digital wallets to be wary of fraudulent investment schemes, unrealistic returns, and unsolicited money requests. He emphasized the importance of protecting passwords and sensitive information, urging verification of payment requests before authorizing transactions.",
  "summary": "Ghana recorded an estimated GH¢209.7 million in financial losses linked to reported cybersecurity incidents between January and September 2026, the Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Dr Divine Selasi Agbeti, has disclosed. The Authority recorded 4,938 incidents during the nine-month period, exceeding the 4,604 cases reported in 2025, which resulted in financial losses of […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Ghana's cybercrime cost GH¢209.7 million in first nine months of 2026",
    "Cybersecurity incidents rose to 4,604 cases from 2025's 4,604, causing GH¢22.5m losses",
    "CSA plans new Volta Region office to aid law enforcement in cybercrime response"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}