Over 300 Mobile Money Fraud Suspects Arrested in Nationwide Crackdown
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel George, has revealed that more than 300 individuals have been arrested across Ghana this year for their involvement in mobile money fraud, as authorities intensify efforts to protect the country’s digital and financial systems.
According to the Minister, the arrests were made through coordinated intelligence-led operations involving the Cyber Security Authority, the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID), and other national security agencies. He explained that the initiative is part of Ghana’s own resolve to safeguard its reputation and citizens, and not merely a response to requests from international partners.
Mr George noted that Ghana often suffers reputational damage when cybercrime incidents are traced to the country, even in cases where the perpetrators turn out to be foreign nationals operating within its borders. He cited a recent arrest involving a suspect initially believed to be Ghanaian, who was later identified as a Nigerian national after detailed surveillance and investigations.
The Minister stressed that the crackdown is targeted strictly at criminal networks and not individuals engaged in legitimate digital activities or content creation. He said cyber fraud has negatively affected Ghana’s standing with global digital platforms and financial service providers, limiting access to monetisation opportunities and international partnerships.
Beyond mobile money fraud, some of the security operations have uncovered more complex crimes, including human trafficking. Mr George disclosed that in one major operation, security agencies rescued 425 victims who had been trafficked into Ghana under false pretences and forced to engage in cybercrime by foreign syndicates operating from a location in Dodowa.
He further revealed that arrests linked to mobile money fraud have been carried out nationwide, including in coastal and border communities. In one operation in the Volta Region, seven suspects and their ringleader were arrested for impersonation scams involving senior public officials such as ministers and Members of Parliament.
Rejecting claims that government action is limited to high-profile cases involving foreign agencies, the Minister said many operations are conducted quietly but yield significant results. He praised the Cyber Security Authority for its leadership and commended the Police CID, National Intelligence Bureau, NACOB, and the Signals Bureau for their collaboration.
Mr George said the sustained enforcement drive is critical to restoring confidence in Ghana’s digital ecosystem, protecting citizens from fraud, and strengthening the country’s position in engagements with international technology and financial institutions.
