Cyber Security Authority Launches Awareness Month as Online Fraud Accounts for 47% of Incidents in 2026

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has officially launched the 2026 National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) in Accra, centering on the theme "Securing Ghana’s Digital Finance Ecosystem: Building Trust Through Collaboration and Cyber Resilience." Running throughout October, the campaign seeks to fortify the nation’s digital infrastructure against a sharp rise in cyber-enabled fraud. CSA Director-General Divine Selase Agbeti emphasized that protecting customer data and financial assets is no longer a mere compliance exercise but a fundamental duty owed to the public. The initiative brings together the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, the Ghana Police Service, and the Ghana Association of Banks to foster a more resilient digital environment.

The urgency of the campaign is underscored by alarming statistics revealed at the launch. According to the CSA, 47% of all cybersecurity incidents reported between January and July 2026—totaling 1,818 out of 3,876 cases—were linked to online fraud. This follows a 48% surge in fraud cases recorded between 2024 and 2025, which placed approximately GH₵101 million at risk. This local trend mirrors a broader continental crisis, where cybercrime losses across Africa doubled to $484 million in 2025. Stakeholders noted that the payment service sector remains particularly vulnerable, with criminals increasingly employing sophisticated methods, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI), to bypass traditional security measures.

Addressing banking executives and tech providers, John Awuah, Chief Executive of the Ghana Association of Banks, highlighted the paradox of digital convenience, noting that the same platforms that facilitate ease of transaction also expose users to evolving vulnerabilities. He called for deep collaboration between banks, fintech companies, and telecommunications providers to create a unified front against cybercriminals. Director-General Agbeti further urged businesses to elevate cybersecurity governance to the board level, arguing that proactive security investment is essential to maintaining public confidence in the digital economy. The Ghana Police Service, represented by COP Lydia Donko, also signaled the need for updated law enforcement responses to tackle the borderless and complex nature of modern digital crimes.

As the month-long awareness drive unfolds, the government aims to implement five strategic pillars focused on enhancing trust and resilience. Deputy Minister Hon. Mohammed Adams Sukparu noted that the campaign’s success depends on a shared governance approach where the private and public sectors work in tandem. By prioritizing cybersecurity beyond technical compliance and focusing on building a culture of vigilance, Ghana hopes to safeguard its digital finance ecosystem and ensure that the digital transition remains a driver of economic growth rather than a source of financial insecurity.