Ghana's Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has strongly advised victims of online sextortion and cyber fraud to report incidents to authorities instead of paying money demanded by perpetrators. The Authority states that complying with extortion demands does not guarantee the non-release of private materials. This practice may also encourage criminals to continue exploiting victims.
The CSA has recorded numerous cases involving individuals lured into intimate online interactions. These victims are subsequently threatened with the release of private videos. Fraudsters often use social media platforms to build relationships, persuade victims into intimate video calls, and secretly record these interactions for blackmail purposes.
This issue fits into Ghana's broader fight against increasing cybercrime. The Cyber Security Authority's 2025 report indicated that online fraud, cyberbullying, and blackmail were dominant cybercrime cases. The rise of digital platforms and mobile money services has presented new avenues for criminals. This trend highlights the urgent need for enhanced digital literacy and robust reporting mechanisms across the nation.
Benjamin Maduro Avornyotse, the Acting Director of Communications, International Cooperation and Strategic Partnership at the CSA, explained the Authority's stance. He said, “We receive reports on all of that. We have carried out a number of arrests in respect of that too because the Act actually frowns on such extortion where people use your intimate videos that you’ve not consented to, to try to threaten you and ask you to pay certain monies or ransoms.” He urged victims not to remain silent due to fear or embarrassment.
Victims' immediate reporting is crucial for effective intervention. The CSA's first action upon receiving a report is to help victims disengage from perpetrators. This prevents further interaction that could increase exploitation risks. Decision-makers and the public need to strengthen their understanding of cyber security measures. This responsiveness will directly impact public safety and the integrity of Ghana's digital economy. The CSA will continue to bolster its collaborations with law enforcement to trace suspects and prevent the spread of stolen content.
The CSA also works with law enforcement agencies to trace suspects and investigate their activities. They take steps to prevent the spread of stolen intimate content. In some cases, the Authority uses technical interventions to render videos unusable if criminals attempt to circulate them online. Mr. Avornyotse cautioned victims against withholding relevant information, explaining that incomplete details hinder authorities' ability to fully address situations. He cited a case where a victim provided only one of several blackmail videos, leading to other materials surfacing online later. The CSA continues to collaborate with the Ghana Police Service, specifically the Cyber Crime Unit, on investigations and prosecutions. These collaborations have resulted in several arrests and successful prosecutions, both locally and internationally.