Ghana's Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has urged Ghanaians to report suspected cyber threats immediately. This proactive measure aims to prevent financial and other significant losses across the nation. The CSA emphasizes that cybercrime has grown more sophisticated, moving beyond simple mobile money fraud to target critical economic sectors.
Alex Awere-Kyere, from the Critical Information Infrastructure Directorate of the Cyber Security Authority, stated that sectors like banking, finance, mining, energy, and government institutions face increasing exposure. This makes cybersecurity a shared national responsibility. The growing complexity of cybercrime demands quick action from both individuals and institutions when suspicious online activity occurs. Mr. Awere-Kyere encouraged the public not to wait until they become victims before seeking assistance from the CSA.
This call to action fits into Ghana's broader economic and security narrative, where digital transformation is accelerating. Protecting critical infrastructure is essential for maintaining economic stability and investor confidence. The Bank of Ghana, for instance, relies heavily on secure digital systems for financial transactions and monetary policy implementation. Data from the CSA itself indicates significant financial losses due to cybercrime, underscoring the economic impact of these threats. For example, over GHS 296,000 was lost to restaurant and food-vendor impersonation scams alone, highlighting the pervasive nature of these crimes.
Mr. Awere-Kyere specifically advised the public to contact the CSA before making potentially risky online decisions. He said, “Before you even click that button or send that money, call us, let us do the due diligence and then we can advise you so that you don't take that step which may lead you to further challenges.” This statement underscores the CSA's commitment to preventive action and public education.
The implications of widespread cyber threats are substantial for Ghana's economy. Unchecked cybercrime can erode public trust in digital services, hinder foreign direct investment, and disrupt essential services. Businesses could face operational downtime and financial penalties, impacting their profitability and growth. The CSA's initiative aims to mitigate these risks by fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness and reporting. Decision-makers and markets will closely watch the effectiveness of these measures in safeguarding Ghana's digital economy.
Members of the public can report suspected cyber incidents through the CSA’s 292 call centre. Cybersecurity professionals at the centre gather information and guide victims on the next steps. Once a report is received, the CSA may request evidence, such as screenshots, before working with appropriate security agencies. This structured approach ensures that incidents are handled efficiently and effectively.
Ghana has also established robust mechanisms for a coordinated response to cybersecurity incidents. The Joint Cybersecurity Committee, formed under Section 13 of the Cybersecurity Act, brings together key institutions. These include the CSA, the Bank of Ghana, the National Communications Authority, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the Criminal Investigations Department. This arrangement ensures a unified national response, preventing individual institutions from working in isolation. Mr. Awere-Kyere emphasized, “We do not work in a silo, we do not work in a vacuum. We work with our partners.”
The CSA also appealed to the public to avoid making prank calls to the 292 cybersecurity hotline. Prank calls consume limited state resources and can delay assistance to legitimate victims. Frontline staff are trained to assess genuine reports, but prank calls divert critical attention. This appeal highlights the importance of responsible public engagement with national security infrastructure. The CSA will continue collaborating with other national security institutions to protect Ghana’s critical information infrastructure from evolving cyber threats.