Online Extortion Costs Ghana Over Half a Million Cedis in the Initial Half of 2025
In a bid to combat the growing issue of online blackmail and sextortion, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) in Ghana is urging citizens to report any suspicious behavior through its 24-hour cybersecurity hotline.
According to recent data, the losses due to these crimes have seen a significant increase. The CSA reported a loss of GH¢499,044 to online blackmail and sextortion between January and April 2025, nearly a fivefold increase from the GH¢103,663 recorded during the same period in 2024.
The threats often involve the leaking of shared material online. The CSA and Ghana Police Service have intensified their efforts, conducting intelligence-led operations targeting cybercrime, including blackmail and sextortion.
Ghanaians are advised to protect themselves by being aware that sextortion is a crime punishable under Ghana's Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), and related child protection laws. Reporting any such cases to the CSA or the police promptly is essential.
Common protective measures, in line with general cybersecurity best practices, include avoiding sharing explicit images or videos online or with unknown persons. Using strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication on online accounts is also advised. Being cautious about unsolicited messages and requests, especially for sexual content, is crucial.
The CSA also encourages people to avoid unknown online contacts and to educate themselves about online scams and how to recognize sextortion tactics. It's important to note that sending money does not stop the blackmail.
Perpetrators are now using encrypted apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal to evade tracking. Scammers create fake profiles using attractive photos as part of their tactics, luring victims into intimate conversations. Once victims share explicit content, the criminals demand money, typically via mobile money.
The number of sextortion reports, according to the CSA, has slightly increased compared to the 155 cases recorded in early 2024. Many victims continue to face threats even after paying the demanded amount. The CSA warns that these threats should serve as a reminder to be cautious online.
In conclusion, while the legal framework and enforcement efforts in Ghana are in place, it's essential for individuals to take proactive steps to protect themselves from online blackmail and sextortion. By following these cybersecurity best practices, Ghanaians can significantly reduce their vulnerability to these crimes.
- The rise in losses due to cybercrimes like online blackmail and sextortion highlights the need for strengthened technology and cybersecurity in general-news, considering the increasing use of encrypted apps by perpetrators.
- To curb the growing crime-and-justice issue of online blackmail and sextortion, it's essential for citizens to adopt proactive cybersecurity measures, such as avoiding sharing explicit content, using strong passwords, and being cautious about unsolicited messages, as advised by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA).
