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By: Felix Cofie The Minister of Communications, Digitalisation and Innovation, Sam George, has cautioned that the long-awaited Bill against fake news, disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech is almost complete, warning that offenders will be prosecuted once it becomes law. Speaking at the launch of the 2025 Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Accra, the Minister stressed that accountability in the digital space is “non-negotiable” and urged individuals and institutions to uphold the highest ethical standards. He condemned what he described as “unacceptable media practices,” citing, in particular, the live broadcast of the August 6th road crash, which he said was unethical and a breach of the Ghana Journalists Association’s code of ethics. Sam George also issued a stern warning to individuals and syndicates exploiting foreign nationals, stating that they will be prosecuted and jailed under the law if found guilty. “Government is committed to safeguarding the digital space while promoting responsible media practice across the country,” he assured. CSA Raises Alarm Over Rising Cyber Threats At the same event, the Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Mr. Divine Selase Agbeti, disclosed that Ghana lost GHS 14.94 million to cyber fraud in the first half of 2025 alone. He said cyber incidents reported to the CSA’s National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) increased from 1,317 cases in 2024 to 2,008 cases in 2025 within the same period, highlighting a growing exposure of Ghanaians to cyber risks. The data showed that: • Online Fraud accounted for 36% of cases. • Cyberbullying made up 25%. • Online Blackmail represented 14%. • Unauthorised Access stood at 12%. • Information Disclosure accounted for 9%. According to Mr. Agbeti, scams involving online fraud and impersonation alone contributed to over 94% of financial losses recorded. He emphasised that “online safety cannot be left to chance. As we digitalise, we must also think about online safety.” This year’s National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), scheduled for October, will run under the theme: “Building a Safe, Informed, and Accountable Digital Space.” The month-long campaign will focus on educating children, the public, businesses, and government agencies on protecting digital rights, tackling misinformation, and promoting responsible technology use. CID Boss Calls for National Commitment The Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), COP Lydia Donkor, also addressed the launch, stressing that the fight against cybercrime is “not optional but essential for our survival as a modern nation.” She called for greater investment in cybersecurity infrastructure, legislation, and law enforcement capacity, noting that the fast-changing technological space demands sustained commitment. COP Donkor emphasised that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, requiring the active involvement of individuals, families, communities, the private sector, and government. More Stories Here
