Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Accra, Ghana — Ghana’s authorities have intensified their campaign against cyber-enabled crime, announcing the arrest of 32 Nigerian nationals suspected of operating an elaborate romance scam network based in the Central Region’s Kasoa-Tuba area. The coordinated operation, which brought together the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) and National Security operatives, marks a significant escalation in the West African nation’s efforts to dismantle digital fraud syndicates that have tarnished its reputation and inflicted financial losses on victims worldwide.
In an early-morning raid on December 13, security forces apprehended the suspects at a suspected cybercrime hub, seizing 31 laptops and 15 mobile phones believed to have been used in the execution of the scams. Authorities say the devices will undergo forensic examination as part of a broader investigation into the syndicate’s operations.
The arrests were publicly commended by Sam Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, who portrayed the crackdown as “another massive blow” to cybercriminal networks that exploit the country’s digital landscape. In comments shared on social media, Mr. George affirmed the government’s resolve to make Ghana an undesirable base for such criminal enterprises, underscoring the collaboration between the CSA and national security services.
Cybercrime, particularly in the form of romance scams, has emerged as a persistent threat both within Ghana and internationally. These schemes typically involve perpetrators creating false online identities to establish emotional connections with victims, building trust over time before defrauding them of money under fabricated pretences such as medical emergencies, travel costs or investment opportunities. Law enforcement officials have noted that the use of sophisticated tools, including artificial intelligence to craft convincing fake profiles, has made these operations increasingly difficult to trace.
The recent arrests form part of a sustained national strategy to disrupt cyber-enabled offences and protect Ghana’s digital economy. Earlier this month, Ghanaian agencies also apprehended a high-profile suspect known as “Abu Trica,” a social media entrepreneur accused of orchestrating an international romance fraud network that is alleged to have defrauded victims, particularly in the United States, of more than US$8 million. That operation involved close cooperation between the CSA, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the National Intelligence Bureau, the Narcotics Control Commission, and foreign partners, reflecting Ghana’s increasingly multilateral approach to cybercrime enforcement.
Authorities have highlighted that the problem transcends isolated cases, pointing to broader trends in digital fraud that have serious economic implications. Official data released earlier in the year revealed that Ghana lost more than GH¢19 million to cybercrime between January and September 2025, representing a sharp increase from the previous year. Analysts say the rise in reported incidents underscores the adaptability of fraudsters and the need for continuous enhancements to cybersecurity infrastructure and legal frameworks.
Beyond financial loss, experts and human rights advocates warn that cybercrime erodes public trust in digital platforms and can facilitate other forms of criminality, including identity theft and financial exploitation. They argue that comprehensive strategies must combine robust law enforcement action with public awareness campaigns and international cooperation, given the transnational nature of many of these networks.
Ghana’s crackdown also builds on its participation in international operations targeting romance scams and related fraud schemes. In recent months, coordinated efforts across multiple African countries resulted in hundreds of arrests linked to online extortion and sextortion networks. Campaigns such as INTERPOL-led initiatives have highlighted the scale of the problem, showing how criminal syndicates leverage social media and dating platforms to exploit victims around the world and launder proceeds through complex financial channels.
Despite these efforts, critics of Ghana’s response have pointed to persistent vulnerabilities, including the challenge of tracing digital trails and the relative ease with which perpetrators establish fraudulent operations within domestic borders. Moreover, there is growing recognition that some individuals found in cybercrime hubs may be victims themselves, coerced into illegal activities through traffickers or deceptive recruitment schemes. A case earlier in the year saw Ghanaian police rescue dozens of young Nigerian nationals who had been trafficked into the country and forced to engage in online fraud under duress, raising difficult questions about victimisation within cybercrime ecosystems.
To address these complexities, Ghana’s leadership has reiterated its commitment to strengthen legal and policy frameworks. In October, President John Dramani Mahama warned that perpetrators of cybercrime, whether foreign or domestic, would be subject to extradition and prosecution abroad if necessary, emphasising that no one would be immune from accountability. The president’s remarks came during the launch of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, a campaign aimed at educating the public about the risks of online fraud and the importance of digital vigilance.
Civil society groups and technology experts have welcomed the government’s firm stance but stress that lasting progress requires deeper engagement with frontline issues such as digital literacy, cross-border legal cooperation, and platform accountability. They argue that improvements to regulatory oversight of social media and communication technologies, combined with stronger data sharing between nations, could significantly hinder the ability of fraud networks to operate with impunity.
As the 32 suspects remain in custody, Ghana’s security agencies have pledged to pursue the investigation to its full conclusion, including potential criminal charges that reflect the severity of the alleged offences. Officials say they are prepared to follow the evidence wherever it leads, including through partnerships with international law enforcement and judicial authorities.
For residents and digital users globally, the recent arrests serve as a reminder of both the potential dangers inherent in online interactions and the importance of concerted action against those who seek to exploit trust for financial gain.
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