The Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, has called for stronger collaboration among government, financial institutions, fintech companies, telecommunications operators and other stakeholders to protect Ghana’s rapidly expanding digital finance ecosystem from cyber-enabled financial crime.

Speaking at the media launch of the 2026 National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), he said the growing reliance on mobile money, digital banking and online payment platforms had created significant opportunities for financial inclusion and economic growth, but also increased Ghana’s exposure to cybercrime.

Mohammed Adams Sukparu said the increasing sophistication of cybercrime, particularly fraud targeting individuals and users of digital financial services, required a broader national response, adding that cyber security had implications for Ghana’s economic development, social wellbeing and national security.

“These developments remind us that cyber security is no longer simply a technical matter. Cyber security borders on economic, social, national security and development of our country. When citizens lose their savings to cyber crimes, families suffer. When businesses lose their working capital, livelihoods are affected.” he said.

According to him, the erosion of public confidence in digital financial services could undermine the development of Ghana’s digital economy.

“When confidence in digital financial services is eroded, the growth and sustainability of our digital economy is put at risk. It is therefore imperative that digital trust remain at the centre of Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.”

GH¢1.14m lost to alleged investment scam

The Deputy Minister disclosed that reports received by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) indicated a significant increase in fraudulent online investment platforms, resulting in substantial financial losses.

He cited the case of CWPC Digital Marketing, which allegedly manipulated unsuspecting Ghanaians into investing in fraudulent schemes.

“For example, between 1st and 31st July 2026, a platform operating under the name CWPC Digital Marketing allegedly manipulated unsuspecting Ghanaians into investing in their fraudulent schemes resulting in reported financial losses of approximately 1.14 million from 174 reports.”

He also warned of the increasing impersonation of established  banks, with fraudsters using social engineering techniques to deceive customers.

Mohammed Sukparu said elderly people were particularly vulnerable to sophisticated scams, including romance, inheritance, gold, diamond and investment fraud.

“Criminals are creating false identities, establishing relationships with victims and exploiting their trust to persuade them to transfer a substantial amount of money through fabricated romance, inheritance, gold, diamond and investment scams.”

Calls for coordinated response

Mohammed Sukparu stressed that no single institution could tackle the growing cyber threat alone, particularly as cybercrime increasingly involves multiple sectors and jurisdictions.

“No single institution can effectively address the growing cyber security threat alone. Cyber crime does not respect institutional or national boundaries.”

He called for a coordinated response involving government agencies, banks, fintech companies, academia, civil society, technology providers, development partners, the media and citizens.

“We want to encourage all key stakeholders here today and those online that our response in addressing the challenges highlighted must be coordinated, collaborative and proactive.”

The Deputy Minister also highlighted the growing convergence between cybercrime and money laundering, noting that proceeds from online fraud could be moved across borders, concealed through multiple financial channels and integrated into the legitimate economy.

Call to action

Mr Sukparu said the 2026 National Cyber Security Awareness Month should go beyond public education activities and serve as a national call for action.

“The purpose of National Cyber Security Awareness Month 2026 is not simply to organize a month of awareness activities. It is a national call to action. Our objectives should not simply be to respond after cyber-incidents occur. We must develop a culture of prevention and preparedness.” he said.

He said as Ghana expands digital public services, digital financial services and the use of emerging technologies, the country must simultaneously strengthen the institutions, systems and human capacity required to protect the digital ecosystem.

He urged institutions to adopt a preventive approach rather than waiting for cyber incidents to occur.

The 2026 campaign is being held under the theme “Securing Ghana’s Digital Finance Ecosystem: Building Trust Through Collaboration and Cyber Resilience.”