The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Samuel Nartey George, has announced the arrest of 48 suspected cybercrime operatives following a coordinated nighttime operation in the Dawhenya area of the Ningo-Prampram Constituency.
The intelligence-led operation was carried out by the Cyber Security Authority of Ghana (CSA) in collaboration with National Security and the Ghana Police Service, dealing a significant blow to organised cybercrime networks operating within the country.
Suspects Believed to Be Foreign Nationals
According to the Minister, preliminary interrogation indicates that the suspects are Nigerian nationals, made up of 46 males and two females. The group is believed to be connected to a wide range of cyber-related criminal activities.
“Once again, we have struck at the heart of cybercrime operations in Ghana,” Mr. George stated.
Linked to Romance Scams, Online Fraud and Illegal Gold Trading
The suspects are alleged to be involved in romance scams, online investment fraud, impersonation schemes, and illicit online gold trading, crimes that have increasingly targeted both local and international victims.
During the operation, security agencies retrieved several items believed to have been used in carrying out the cybercrimes, including:
- 54 laptops
- 39 mobile phones
- One Starlink internet device
- Eight MTN TurboNet routers
These items are currently in the custody of the authorities for forensic analysis as investigations continue.
Government Vows Zero Tolerance for Cybercriminals
In a Facebook post, Mr. George reaffirmed government’s firm stance against cybercrime, emphasizing that while Ghana remains open to legitimate business, it will not tolerate criminal exploitation of its digital space.
“We are committed to carrying out intelligence-led surgical strikes against these crime syndicates to ensure that we rid our cyber ecosystem of these criminals. Ghana welcomes everyone interested in legitimate enterprise. We will remain a hostile domain for cyber criminals,” he wrote.
Commendation for Security Agencies
The Communications Minister praised the professionalism and effectiveness of the operatives involved in the raid, noting that their conduct reflects the high standards for which Ghana’s security services are internationally recognised.
“Their service is celebrated,” he added.
The arrest marks one of the most significant recent crackdowns on cybercrime in Ghana and signals the government’s continued commitment to protecting the country’s digital infrastructure and international reputation as a safe destination for digital innovation and investment.
Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects are expected to be processed in accordance with Ghanaian law.
