Connect with us

Ghana News

Ghana’s Active Crackdown on Cybercrime Syndicates is Taking Shape: ‘We will Protect Ghana’s image internationally’

Published

on

Ghanaian authorities have stepped up nationwide operations against cybercrime syndicates accused of trafficking foreign nationals into the country under false pretenses and coercing them into online fraud.

The active crackdown is s part of a broader effort to protect Ghana’s international reputation and curb transnational financial crimes.

In the latest coordinated crackdown, officers from the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), working with the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies, arrested 53 suspects during a two-day operation across multiple locations in the Greater Accra Region, including East Legon Hills, Afienya, Kwabenya, Weija and Tuba.

The operation also led to the rescue of 44 individuals described by authorities as victims who were allegedly lured into Ghana with promises of legitimate employment but later forced into cyber fraud activities.

Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, said the operation resulted in the seizure of 62 laptops, 52 mobile phones and two pump-action guns. In a statement shared on social media, the minister disclosed that nine of those arrested are suspected ringleaders, adding that all 53 suspects are Nigerian nationals.

The two-day operation across multiple locations resulted in the arrest of 53 suspects.

Authorities say the syndicates typically target young foreigners, particularly from West Africa, promising well-paid jobs in Ghana. Upon arrival, victims are allegedly confined to residential compounds, stripped of their travel documents and compelled to engage in internet-based scams commonly referred to as “Yahoo-Yahoo.”

According to the CSA, investigations indicate that many of the suspects were involved in mobile money fraud, romance scams, business email compromise schemes and wire fraud — cybercrime categories that Interpol has previously identified as a growing threat across Africa.

“The suspects have been profiled and handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service as investigations continue,” Mr. George said, noting that immigration and criminal processes would determine whether individuals face prosecution in Ghana or repatriation.

A Pattern of Sustained Enforcement

The latest arrests form part of a sustained enforcement campaign that has intensified since late 2025. On December 27, 2025, joint operations by immigration, police and cyber security officials led to the arrest of 141 suspects in Tabora and Lashibi. Authorities seized 38 laptops and 150 mobile phones and arrested the landlord of a residence where more than 100 individuals were allegedly housed for cybercrime activities.

Two days earlier, on December 24, security agencies arrested 48 suspects in Dawhenya — 46 men and two women, all Nigerian nationals — in connection with online investment fraud, impersonation schemes and illegal gold trading. Items seized during that operation included 54 laptops, 39 mobile phones, Starlink internet equipment and additional networking devices.

Earlier operations in Kasoa-Tuba on December 13 resulted in the arrest of 32 suspects, while a high-profile arrest on December 11 saw Ghanaian authorities detain Frederick Kumi, also known as “Abu Trica,” and two accomplices over alleged romance scams that reportedly defrauded U.S. victims of up to US$8 million. The case followed a U.S. grand jury indictment accusing the suspects of using artificial intelligence tools to impersonate identities online. Extradition proceedings to the United States are ongoing.

Courts Hand Down Sentences

Ghanaian courts have also issued convictions linked to cybercrime and human trafficking. On April 30, 2025, an Achimota Circuit Court sentenced two individuals for trafficking Nigerian women into Ghana under the guise of domestic employment, only to force them into prostitution. In May, another court sentenced Nigerian national Promise Ebuorbo and four accomplices to prison terms for harboring illegal migrants and engaging in cybercrime targeting real estate transactions.

In July 2025, a district court in Ashaiman sentenced two Nigerians to 18 months’ imprisonment with hard labour for cyber fraud and unlawful entry into Ghana.

International Cooperation and Ongoing Operations

Minister George said some suspects have been handed over to Nigerian law enforcement agencies, while others will face prosecution under Ghanaian law. He stated that Ghana continues to work closely with international partners, including U.S. authorities, to track and arrest high-profile cybercrime suspects linked to overseas financial losses.

“We will continue to protect Ghana’s cybersecurity image internationally,” the minister said. “Law enforcement agencies will pursue these suspects wherever they are found.”

The Cyber Security Authority has indicated that similar operations will continue nationwide as Ghana seeks to dismantle transnational cybercrime networks, prevent human trafficking linked to online fraud, and strengthen cross-border law enforcement cooperation.

Ghana News

Ghana Leads African Central Banks in Gold Reserve Accumulation as Global Buying Wave Hits $2 Billion

Published

on

Accra, Ghana – Ghana has emerged as one of the most active African central banks in the global gold accumulation surge, joining a broader shift by emerging market nations seeking to diversify reserves and shield economies from currency volatility and geopolitical risks.

According to the latest data, central banks worldwide purchased 27 tonnes of gold in February 2026, valued at approximately $2 billion.

While the bulk of demand continues to come from major players such as China, Poland, Kazakhstan, and Turkey, African central banks are gradually increasing their participation. Ghana stood out last year for aggressively boosting its gold reserves to support the cedi and strengthen its balance sheet amid economic challenges.

The move reflects a deliberate strategy to reduce reliance on traditional foreign currencies and build a more resilient reserve base.

Other African nations are also showing strategic interest. Uganda has launched a domestic gold purchasing programme targeting at least 100 kilograms over four months, while Kenya — despite holding just 0.02 tonnes — has signalled plans for gradual accumulation. Zimbabwe continues experimenting with gold-backed instruments, and the Democratic Republic of Congo aims to formalize 15 tonnes of artisanal gold production in 2026.

These efforts, though still modest compared to global leaders, signal a growing continental recognition of gold’s role as a hedge in uncertain times.

Analysts say this African participation, led by Ghana, aligns with a wider global trend where central banks are treating gold as a strategic asset rather than a relic of the past.

For Ghana, continued accumulation could further stabilise the cedi, enhance macroeconomic credibility, and support the country’s ambition to capture more value from its rich gold resources through strategic reserve management.

Continue Reading

Ghana News

LGBTQ Debate Intensifies After Mahama Comments, Moody’s Upgrades Ghana Outlook and Other Big Stories Today

Published

on

We have curated the most relevant stories from Ghana for your enjoyment and awareness. From renewed calls on the controversial Anti-LGBTQ bill and a significant credit rating upgrade, to traditional leadership disputes and maritime security operations, these developments reflect the key political, economic, and social conversations shaping the country this morning.


It Remains a Priority – Sam George on Anti-LGBTQ Bill
Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George has reaffirmed that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill remains a top priority for him and many Ghanaians. Speaking in a recent interview, the outspoken NDC legislator took a stance that challenges his boss’s (President Mahama), stating that the bill is not a distraction but a necessary piece of legislation to protect Ghanaian cultural and family values. He expressed confidence that the bill would eventually be passed, despite delays, and urged supporters to remain patient while the legislative process is followed. George stated that the bill enjoys broad public support and that he would continue to champion it until it becomes law.
Read the full story here

Rev. Ntim Fordjour Urges Mahama to Issue Directive to Fast-Track Anti-LGBTQ Bill
Deputy Minority Leader Rev. John Ntim Fordjour has called on President John Dramani Mahama to issue a directive to fast-track the passage of the Anti-LGBTQ bill. The NPP MP argued that the legislation reflects the will of the Ghanaian people and should not be allowed to drag on indefinitely. He urged the President to demonstrate leadership by ensuring the bill is prioritised in Parliament, warning that further delays could erode public trust in the government’s commitment to moral and cultural issues.
Read the full story here

President Mahama Nominates Pamela Graham as New Auditor-General
President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Pamela Graham as the new Auditor-General of Ghana. The nomination, which has been forwarded to Parliament for approval, is expected to bring fresh leadership to the country’s supreme audit institution. Graham is widely regarded as a seasoned professional with extensive experience in public financial management and auditing. If confirmed, her appointment will be closely watched as the government continues efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability in public finances.
Read the full story here

Etweresohene Stripped of Title, Barred from Ofori Panin Fie Over Alleged Rebellion
The Etweresohene has been stripped of his title and barred from the Ofori Panin Fie (the palace of the Okyenhene) following allegations of rebellion and disloyalty. The traditional council took the decision after what it described as persistent acts of insubordination and attempts to undermine the authority of the Okyenhene. The development has generated significant interest in traditional circles and highlights ongoing tensions within some traditional structures in the Eastern Region.
Read the full story here

Moody’s Upgrades Ghana’s Outlook to Positive, Affirms Caa1 Rating
Global ratings agency Moody’s has upgraded Ghana’s outlook to positive while affirming the country’s long-term issuer rating at Caa1. The upgrade reflects improving fiscal performance, debt management efforts, and signs of economic stabilisation. However, Moody’s cautioned that risks remain, particularly from external shocks such as global fuel price volatility. The positive outlook signals growing confidence in Ghana’s reform trajectory and could improve the country’s access to international capital markets.
Read the full story here

Mahama to Headline The Africa Debate 2026
President John Dramani Mahama has been confirmed as the headline speaker at The Africa Debate 2026, a major continental platform for discussing Africa’s most pressing issues. The event is expected to bring together African leaders, policymakers, and thought leaders to engage on topics ranging from economic transformation to governance and regional integration. Mahama’s selection underscores his growing stature as a key voice on African affairs.
Read the full story here

Navy Seizes Eight Unregistered Boats at New Takoradi
The Ghana Navy has seized eight unregistered boats during a routine patrol at New Takoradi. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal fishing and unregulated maritime activities along Ghana’s coastline. The vessels have been impounded, and investigations are underway to determine the owners and intended use of the boats. The Navy has reiterated its commitment to protecting Ghana’s marine resources and enforcing maritime laws.
Read the full story here

Continue Reading

Ghana News

Catholic Bishops Reject Trivialization of LGBTQ+ Debate by Mahama Government: ‘Nations Do Not Live by Bread Alone’

Published

on

ACCRA – Ghana’s Catholic Bishops have issued a forceful pastoral statement urging citizens and leaders alike to treat the ongoing LGBTQ+ debate with the seriousness it deserves.

In the statement, the Bishops warned against dismissing the issue as a minor national concern.

Released on April 10, 2026, the statement from the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) directly responds to recent remarks by President John Dramani Mahama and Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who, in separate public statements, suggested the matter is not a major national priority.

“No question that touches the structure of human identity, family life, and social continuity can be trivial,” the bishops declared.

Values as the Invisible Architecture of Nations

While acknowledging Ghana’s pressing economic challenges, the Conference rejected any attempt to separate moral questions from national development.

“Nations do not live by bread alone,” the statement reads. “They are sustained also by the invisible architecture of values.”

The bishops called for a balanced approach to the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, urging that it uphold both human dignity and the institution of the family.

Clear Condemnation of Discrimination

In a significant passage, the GCBC firmly condemned all forms of discrimination against individuals regardless of sexual orientation.

“No individual, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, may be subjected to violence, hatred, or unjust discrimination,” the bishops stated.

However, they simultaneously reaffirmed their position on traditional family values, describing the family as a nation’s most efficient social welfare system.

“To affirm dignity does not require the redefinition of marriage,” the bishops added. “To defend marriage does not require hostility.”

Reminder to President Mahama

The Conference reminded President Mahama of his earlier commitment to assent to the bill if duly passed by Parliament.

“Democratic integrity rests… on the fidelity of leaders to their publicly stated commitments,” the bishops noted.

They concluded with a call for calm and respectful engagement across all sectors of society, warning that words can either build a republic of trust or fracture it into suspicion.

The GCBC reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to a national conversation grounded in respect, moral clarity, and the common good.

Continue Reading

Trending