CSA Director-General Divine Selase Agbeti Warns of Surge in Online Fraud as Ghana Launches 2026 Cyber Security Month

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has revealed that online fraud now accounts for nearly half of all reported cybersecurity incidents in Ghana, highlighting a growing threat to the nation’s burgeoning digital financial ecosystem. Speaking at the launch of the 2026 National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) in Accra, CSA Director-General Mr. Divine Selase Agbeti disclosed that between January and July 2026, the authority recorded 3,876 incidents, of which 1,818—approximately 47%—were directly linked to online fraud. This surge underscores the heightening vulnerability of both citizens and businesses as digital transactions become the primary mode of financial engagement in the country.

The rise in fraudulent activity is not a sudden spike but part of a concerning upward trend in cyber-enabled crime. Data from the Bank of Ghana’s 2025 Fraud Report previously indicated a 48% increase in fraud cases compared to the prior year, with the most significant growth occurring within the payment service sector. Mr. Agbeti noted that the increasing sophistication of these threats is being fueled by advancements in technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), which allow criminals to execute more complex and convincing schemes. He emphasized that as digital financial services expand, the potential surface area for attacks grows correspondingly, necessitating a more robust and proactive defense strategy.

Addressing the institutional response to these threats, the Director-General urged financial firms and businesses to elevate cybersecurity from a mere regulatory compliance checkbox to a core board-level governance priority. He argued that building and maintaining digital trust is vital for the stability of the financial ecosystem. Mr. Agbeti further called for institutions to ensure they are sourcing cybersecurity services from accredited providers to guarantee high standards of protection. The CSA’s current strategy focuses on five strategic pillars designed to bolster confidence in the digital economy and provide a framework for resilient infrastructure against evolving global threats.

Throughout October 2026, the National Cyber Security Awareness Month will operate under the theme, “Securing Ghana’s Digital Finance Ecosystem: Building Trust Through Collaboration and Cyber Resilience.” The campaign aims to foster closer coordination between the banking sector, law enforcement agencies, and the general public. By encouraging informed consumer behavior and timely reporting of suspicious activities, the CSA hopes to mitigate risks and create a more secure digital landscape. The authority continues to serve as the national regulator, overseeing the implementation of the Cybersecurity Act and leading the charge in public education to safeguard Ghana's digital future.