Technology News from Ghana

The latest technology news from Ghana, curated from the country's leading newsrooms and updated through the day. Newest stories first.

Cyber Security Authority Warns Against Paying Sextortion Demands Amid Rising Online Hookup Scams
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Cyber Security Authority Warns Against Paying Sextortion Demands Amid Rising Online Hookup Scams

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) of Ghana has issued a stern warning to the public regarding a significant surge in online blackmail and "sextortion" schemes targeting social media users. According to Benjamin Maduro Avornyotse, the Acting Director at the CSA, criminals are increasingly using platforms like TikTok to lure unsuspecting victims into intimate online interactions. Once these interactions are recorded, perpetrators threaten to leak the sensitive footage unless a ransom is paid. The Authority emphasizes that victims should immediately report these incidents to the relevant channels instead of giving in to financial demands, as paying does not guarantee the safety of the private materials and often emboldens criminals to seek further exploitation. The CSA highlights that these schemes typically follow a pattern where strangers build a sense of rapport before moving to intimate video calls. These acts constitute criminal extortion under Ghanaian law. Mr. Avornyotse advised the public to exercise extreme caution when engaging with individuals online and to strictly refrain from sharing private or explicit content with people they have not met in person. He noted that the CSA has documented numerous cases where victims felt trapped, but he reassured the public that professional support is available to help individuals disengage from these perpetrators safely. To combat this growing threat, the CSA is working in close collaboration with the Ghana Police Service’s Cyber Crime Unit. This partnership has already resulted in several arrests and successful prosecutions of cybercriminals. Beyond legal action, the Authority employs specialized technical measures to hinder or prevent the distribution of sensitive materials once they are reported. Victims are encouraged to provide comprehensive and accurate information during the reporting process to facilitate effective investigations and allow the CSA to deploy technical interventions that can protect their reputations. The Authority urges all citizens to break the silence and report suspicious activities without fear of embarrassment. By engaging with the CSA rather than the extortionists, victims can access a network of legal and technical protections designed to neutralize the threat. As cyber-related crimes continue to evolve in complexity, the CSA remains committed to maintaining a safer digital environment through constant monitoring, public education, and robust enforcement of Ghana's cybersecurity laws.

itel Launches Rugged POWER 80 Smartphone in Ghana Featuring 7000mAh Battery and Military-Grade Durability
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itel Launches Rugged POWER 80 Smartphone in Ghana Featuring 7000mAh Battery and Military-Grade Durability

Global technology brand itel has officially launched the POWER 80 smartphone in Ghana, marking a significant entry into the rugged device market. Built around the central theme of "No Case. Still Tough," the new smartphone is designed to survive extreme conditions that would typically disable standard mobile devices. Available for GH¢1,729, the POWER 80 is positioned as a solution for Ghanaians who prioritize longevity and physical resilience in their mobile technology, particularly those working in demanding outdoor sectors. The device’s core appeal lies in its military-grade durability, which allows it to operate without the extra bulk of a protective case. This physical toughness is paired with advanced water and dust resistance, ensuring reliability in Ghana’s diverse climates. Under the hood, the POWER 80 features a substantial 7000mAh battery, one of the largest in its class, providing multi-day usage for professionals often away from power sources. Furthermore, the inclusion of AI-powered outdoor optimization helps the screen maintain visibility and performance efficiency even under direct sunlight or in high-intensity environments. Beyond its technical specifications, itel is facilitating easier access to the hardware through innovative financing. In collaboration with Bynow Pay Later, the company offers installment options that include daily payments beginning at GHS 13. To drive early adoption, itel has announced that purchases made before the June 30 deadline will benefit from interest-free repayment plans. These customers will also receive complimentary data packages and exclusive gifts, emphasizing itel’s commitment to providing high value alongside its reputation for durable, long-lasting hardware in the Ghanaian telecommunications landscape.

Dr Arnold Mashud Abukari — Cybersecurity Expert
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Cybersecurity Expert Dr. Arnold Mashud Abukari Advocates for Indigenous Language Monitoring Systems to Combat Digital Radicalism

Cybersecurity expert Dr. Arnold Mashud Abukari has urged Ghanaian authorities to develop and deploy cyber threat monitoring systems in indigenous languages to bolster the nation's defense against emerging digital threats. Speaking at the launch of his new book, 'Digital Radicalism: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Countering Cyber Terrorism and Digital Radicalism in Ghana,' Dr. Abukari pointed out that current security frameworks are heavily biased toward the English language. This linguistic gap, he argues, allows bad actors to coordinate crimes, spread misinformation, and recruit individuals into extremist ideologies using local dialects that fly under the radar of existing automated monitoring tools. The expert emphasized that localizing cybersecurity efforts is essential for detecting the nuances of harmful content shared across social media platforms. His book serves as a strategic resource for understanding how digital radicalism manifests in the Ghanaian context and proposes preventive measures rooted in community engagement and inter-sectoral collaboration. Dr. Abukari suggested that by integrating indigenous languages into surveillance and detection systems, Ghana can more effectively preempt cyber-terrorist activities and disrupt criminal networks operating in the shadows of the digital space. Furthermore, Dr. Abukari called for a structural shift in how the nation approaches digital safety, particularly among the youth. He advocated for a partnership between cybersecurity stakeholders and the Ghana Education Service to develop a robust digital literacy curriculum. By embedding these skills into the formal education system, the country can empower the next generation to navigate the internet safely, recognize radicalization attempts, and contribute to a more secure digital economy. He concluded by stressing that a comprehensive national awareness campaign, coupled with community-level interventions, is vital to building a resilient front against the evolving landscape of cybercrime and digital radicalism in Ghana.

Economist Godfred Bokpin Calls for National Financial Literacy Strategy to Combat Rising Digital Fraud in Ghana
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Economist Godfred Bokpin Calls for National Financial Literacy Strategy to Combat Rising Digital Fraud in Ghana

Renowned economist Godfred Bokpin has issued a clarion call for the integration of financial literacy and cybersecurity education into Ghana's national anti-fraud strategy. Speaking ahead of the release of a new documentary titled 'The Trust Crisis,' Bokpin argued that relying solely on law enforcement and legal solutions is insufficient to protect the growing number of users in the country's digital finance ecosystem. He emphasized that as the nation transitions toward a more digital economy, the first line of defense must be an informed and vigilant public capable of navigating the complexities of online transactions. The urgency of this educational shift is underscored by recent data from the Bank of Ghana's latest fraud report, which reveals a 5.5% increase in fraud cases between 2023 and 2024. The report identifies payment service providers as the most vulnerable sector, bearing the brunt of increasingly sophisticated digital scams. According to Bokpin, the rise in these criminal activities is a direct consequence of the rapid adoption of digital payment systems, which has outpaced the general public's understanding of digital security protocols and safe financial practices. To address these vulnerabilities, Bokpin advocates for a proactive approach where consumers take personal responsibility for understanding digital risks while the state provides the necessary educational frameworks. This conversation is set to take center stage at the upcoming Digital Economy Forum, where industry stakeholders, policymakers, and financial experts will convene to discuss robust frameworks for fostering trust in digital finance. The goal is to move beyond reactive policing and instead build a resilient digital economy where users are empowered to detect and avoid fraudulent schemes before they occur.

Lidia Zur Muhlen Warns Against Digital Colonialism in Rural AI Development Efforts
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Lidia Zur Muhlen Warns Against Digital Colonialism in Rural AI Development Efforts

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is often touted as a panacea for global development, yet a critical examination of its impact on rural communities suggests a more complex reality. Expert Lidia Zur Muhlen argues that while AI holds transformative potential, its deployment in regions such as rural Morocco is currently hindered by significant structural gaps. Before these communities can truly benefit from high-level technology, fundamental digital needs—including reliable internet connectivity and widespread digital literacy—must be addressed. Without these prerequisites, the digital divide risks widening, leaving vulnerable populations further behind in the global technological race. Beyond infrastructure, the ethical implications of data collection have sparked concerns over what is being termed "digital colonialism." Muhlen highlights a growing tension regarding the obligations of major technology companies to the communities whose knowledge and data fuel AI systems. Currently, many AI models are built using local insights without fair compensation or the explicit consent of the contributors. This extractive relationship undermines the sovereignty of rural populations, raising urgent questions about how to protect local intellectual property and ensure that the benefits of technological progress are shared equitably rather than concentrated in the hands of global tech giants. Despite these challenges, collaborative models exist that prioritize community empowerment and local agency. One notable example is the partnership between Digital Green and Microsoft, which resulted in the creation of an AI assistant specifically designed for farmers. By focusing on equitable partnerships that prioritize local ownership, such initiatives demonstrate that technology can be a tool for genuine development when it is built with—rather than just for—the intended users. Moving forward, the global community must advocate for development strategies that center on fair compensation and local empowerment to ensure that the digital age serves everyone, not just those at the top of the technological hierarchy.

Check Point Software Advocates Military-Style OODA Loop to Shield Africa from Rising AI Cyber Attacks
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Check Point Software Advocates Military-Style OODA Loop to Shield Africa from Rising AI Cyber Attacks

Organizations across Africa are currently facing a relentless barrage of cyber threats, experiencing an average of 3,153 attacks weekly—a figure significantly higher than the global average. In response to this escalating digital warfare, Fred Streefland of Check Point Software Technologies is advocating for the adoption of military-grade decision-making frameworks. Specifically, the application of strategist John Boyd’s OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act) is being positioned as a critical strategy to enhance Africa’s cyber defense capabilities against sophisticated, AI-driven incursions. The traditional "castle-and-moat" approach to digital security, which relies on static perimeters, is increasingly proving insufficient against modern adversaries. Today’s cybercriminals are leveraging artificial intelligence to automate attacks and exploit vulnerabilities at unprecedented speeds. To counter this, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) across the continent are being urged to transition toward dynamic, unified security architectures. These systems provide the comprehensive visibility necessary to monitor network traffic in real-time, allowing for the rapid identification of anomalies that precede a full-scale breach. At the heart of this strategic shift is the OODA Loop, a concept originally designed for air combat to emphasize decision-making speed as a competitive advantage. By observing the landscape and orienting themselves to the specific nature of a threat, African organizations can make faster, more informed decisions and act before significant damage occurs. Integrating AI into this loop allows security teams to manage risks more effectively, responding to threats with the same speed and precision used by the attackers themselves. As the continent continues its rapid digital transformation, the importance of a proactive, governance-focused security posture cannot be overstated. Establishing a unified defense mechanism is no longer just a technical requirement but a strategic imperative for national and corporate stability. By embracing military-inspired agility and advanced AI tools, African entities can turn the tide against cybercrime, ensuring that their digital infrastructure remains resilient in an era of constant and evolving threats.

Australia's Social Media Age Verification Flaws Exposed in New Compliance Study
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Australia's Social Media Age Verification Flaws Exposed in New Compliance Study

Australia’s ambitious legislative effort to ban teenagers under the age of 16 from social media platforms is facing significant implementation hurdles, according to a recent study released on January 15, 2026. Despite the mandate designed to shield minors from the potential harms of digital networking, major tech giants including Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube are reportedly failing to effectively verify the ages of their users. This revelation comes at a critical time as global regulators monitor Australia's pioneer approach to digital safety, suggesting that the "world-first" law may be toothless without more rigorous enforcement mechanisms and platform cooperation. The study, which involved a trial of over 1,000 Australian participants, revealed a startling gap between the law's requirements and its real-world application. According to the findings, none of the test accounts created during the post-implementation phase were prompted to provide any form of age verification or proof of identity. This failure persists even as the Australian government has doubled the fines for platforms that fail to comply with the new regulations. Critics argue that the current state of enforcement allows underage users to continue accessing restricted content with virtually no friction, undermining the very essence of the protective legislation intended to curb youth social media addiction and exposure to harmful content. Technological experts and child safety advocates are raising alarms over the lack of robust testing for circumvention methods. The trial suggests that current age-gating measures are easily bypassed, as the enforcement process lacks the "stress-testing" necessary to ensure young users cannot simply lie about their birth years. Experts indicate that without a shift toward more sophisticated verification technologies—such as biometric analysis or third-party digital identity checks—the gap in protecting young users will remain wide. As the Australian government grapples with these findings, the focus is expected to shift toward tighter oversight and perhaps even more stringent penalties to compel tech companies to prioritize compliance over user growth.

Dynamic Data Solutions and eSentire Partner to Bolster African Cybersecurity Resilience
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Dynamic Data Solutions and eSentire Partner to Bolster African Cybersecurity Resilience

Dynamic Data Solutions Limited (dds55), a prominent Ghanaian technology firm, has announced a strategic partnership with eSentire, a global leader in Managed Detection and Response (MDR), to significantly enhance cybersecurity resilience for organizations across Africa. This collaboration comes as African businesses face an escalating landscape of cyber threats, driven by rapid digital transformation and the increasing sophistication of international threat actors. By integrating eSentire’s global threat intelligence with dds55’s extensive local IT expertise, the partnership aims to provide a comprehensive defense mechanism tailored to the specific needs of the African market. The initiative is set to deliver enterprise-grade security solutions, including 24/7 monitoring and rapid incident response, which are crucial for maintaining operational integrity in today's digital economy. The partnership focuses on bridging the gap between local operational needs and global security standards. Through this alliance, dds55 and eSentire will offer businesses the ability to detect and neutralize threats in real-time, leveraging global insights to protect local assets. Leaders from both companies emphasized that this collaboration is a proactive response to the evolving regulatory landscape and the growing demand for robust digital infrastructure. This synergistic approach ensures that African enterprises can pursue growth and innovation with the assurance that their digital environments are protected by world-class security protocols. Beyond immediate threat mitigation, this partnership represents a long-term commitment to fostering a more secure and resilient digital ecosystem in Africa. As organizations continue to migrate to cloud-based services and expand their digital footprints, the need for specialized cybersecurity support becomes paramount. By localizing eSentire’s advanced MDR capabilities through dds55, the partnership empowers African businesses to mitigate risks effectively while adhering to compliance standards. This development is expected to bolster investor confidence and provide a stable foundation for the continent's burgeoning digital economy, ultimately contributing to sustainable technological advancement and economic stability across the region.

Yango Ride Strengthens Safety Framework with New Passenger Profile Badge Feature in Ghana
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Yango Ride Strengthens Safety Framework with New Passenger Profile Badge Feature in Ghana

Yango Ride, the international ride-hailing service under the Yango Group, has announced the launch of a new "passenger completed account badge" designed to foster greater trust and security within its digital ecosystem. This feature allows drivers to view essential verified details of a passenger once a ride request is accepted, marking a significant shift toward mutual transparency in the ride-hailing sector. By providing drivers with a clearer understanding of who they are picking up, the company aims to mitigate safety risks and streamline the interaction between service providers and users. The new badge serves as a credibility marker for passengers, displaying information such as their name, photo, and preferred payment method directly to the driver's interface upon accepting an order. Initial data and internal surveys conducted by Yango suggest that this visibility significantly boosts driver confidence, with a notable positive impact reported during late-night shifts when safety concerns are typically heightened. This move addresses a long-standing request from the driver community for better identification of passengers, paralleling the transparency passengers already enjoy regarding driver profiles and vehicle details. Tom Ofonime, the Country Manager for Yango Ride in Ghana, highlighted that the initiative is rooted in the belief that safety is a two-way street. He emphasized that building mutual trust between both parties is fundamental to providing a high-quality service and maintaining a healthy platform environment. This profile badge is not a standalone update but rather an extension of Yango's existing safety toolkit, which includes a range of in-app functionalities like SOS buttons, trip sharing, and real-time monitoring designed to protect both parties throughout the journey. As the ride-hailing market in Ghana continues to evolve, the introduction of such features reflects a growing industry trend toward data-driven security measures and user verification. By incentivizing passengers to complete their profiles and verify their identities, Yango is positioning itself as a safety-conscious platform in an increasingly competitive landscape. Moving forward, the success of this feature may set a new standard for other operators in the region, ultimately contributing to a more secure and reliable urban transportation network for Ghanaian commuters and drivers alike.

Cyber Security Authority Reports GH¢3.4 Million Lost to Online Investment Scams in Early 2026
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Cyber Security Authority Reports GH¢3.4 Million Lost to Online Investment Scams in Early 2026

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) of Ghana has issued an urgent public alert following a sharp rise in fraudulent online investment schemes that have collectively cost victims more than GH¢3.4 million. According to official data released by the Authority, a total of 352 cases of online investment fraud were recorded in the first half of 2026, spanning the period from January to June. This troubling trend highlights a growing threat to the financial security of Ghanaians, who are increasingly being targeted by sophisticated digital predators operating across various social media and mobile platforms. Fraudsters typically lure unsuspecting victims by promising exceptionally high and unrealistic returns on investments, often advertising through popular social media channels. To build credibility and gain the trust of their targets, these scammers frequently adopt fake identities or misrepresent themselves as subsidiaries of well-known, reputable companies. One prominent example cited by the CSA is the misuse of the brand name 'Darazz.' Other fraudulent entities identified in the recent reports include names such as Daily Trade, Ghstore, KUKA, and Edollar. These criminals often facilitate their transactions through mobile money platforms, which allow for rapid fund transfers that can be difficult to recover once the scam is realized. In response to this escalating threat, the CSA is urging the public to exercise extreme caution when considering any online investment opportunities. The Authority emphasizes that individuals should strictly verify the legitimacy of any investment scheme through official regulatory channels and corporate offices before committing their funds. The public is advised to be skeptical of 'get-rich-quick' schemes and to remain vigilant against entities that lack a verifiable physical presence or use high-pressure tactics to solicit investments. To combat the spread of these digital crimes, the CSA has directed victims and concerned citizens to report any suspicious activities to its 24-hour Cybersecurity Incident Reporting Centre. By reporting these incidents, the public assists the Authority in tracking fraudulent networks and preventing further financial losses within the community. The CSA remains committed to strengthening Ghana's cybersecurity landscape, but stresses that public awareness and proactive verification remain the most critical lines of defense against online financial exploitation.

Cybersecurity Risks Rise as 69% of Users Turn to Public Wi-Fi for Connectivity
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Cybersecurity Risks Rise as 69% of Users Turn to Public Wi-Fi for Connectivity

In an era where the rising cost of living is forcing many to seek ways to save, free public Wi-Fi has become an indispensable utility for many. According to recent data, approximately 69% of users connect to these public networks on a weekly basis, drawn by the convenience of staying connected without consuming mobile data. However, cybersecurity experts are raising alarms that the price of this "free" service may be far higher than users realize, as public hotspots often lack the robust security protocols found in private home or office networks. The security vulnerabilities inherent in public Wi-Fi expose users to several sophisticated cyber threats. Among the most dangerous are "evil twin" attacks, where criminals set up a fraudulent Wi-Fi network that appears legitimate to trick users into connecting. Once a device is linked, hackers can launch Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks, allowing them to intercept sensitive information such as login credentials, bank details, and personal communications. Furthermore, cybercriminals frequently use these open connections to distribute malware or utilize captive portals—the login pages often seen in hotels or cafes—to harvest personal information for malicious purposes. While the allure of cost-free internet is strong, the potential for data breaches necessitates a more cautious approach to connectivity. Experts recommend that users take active protective measures, such as using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to encrypt their traffic and avoiding sensitive transactions like online banking while on public networks. As digital reliance continues to grow, understanding the trade-off between convenience and cybersecurity is essential for safeguarding personal data in an increasingly connected world.

Bank of Ghana Fintech Head Warns That Technology Cannot Stop Digital Fraud if Customers Surrender PINs
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Bank of Ghana Fintech Head Warns That Technology Cannot Stop Digital Fraud if Customers Surrender PINs

Elhanan Owureku Asare, the Head of Fintech and Innovation at the Bank of Ghana (BoG), has issued a stark warning regarding the limitations of technological interventions in the fight against digital fraud. Speaking ahead of the upcoming Digital Economy Forum, Asare emphasized that while robust cybersecurity systems can effectively thwart sophisticated hackers, they remain powerless against social engineering tactics where customers are manipulated into voluntarily surrendering their Personal Identification Numbers (PINs). This intervention comes at a critical time as the central bank reports a steady increase in fraud incidents within the nation’s rapidly expanding digital payment ecosystem. The scale of the challenge is reflected in recent data from the Bank of Ghana, which shows a rise in reported fraud cases from 15,865 in 2023 to 16,733 in 2024. Despite significant institutional investments in cybersecurity and fraud detection tools, the human element remains the most significant vulnerability in the security chain. Asare pointed out that fraudsters are increasingly shifting their focus away from technical breaches of banking infrastructure toward the psychological manipulation of individual users. These bad actors often pose as service providers or bank officials to trick unsuspecting Ghanaians into revealing sensitive credentials, leading to significant financial losses across the digital economy. Addressing these vulnerabilities requires a delicate balance between enhancing security measures and maintaining user convenience. According to Asare, overly complex security protocols can hinder the adoption of digital payments, while lax measures invite exploitation. The Bank of Ghana is therefore advocating for a multi-faceted approach that combines advanced technological safeguards with intensive public awareness campaigns. By educating the public on how to recognize and report suspicious activity, the central bank aims to build a more resilient digital economy that prioritizes consumer protection without sacrificing the efficiency of modern financial transactions. The upcoming Digital Economy Forum will serve as a vital platform for stakeholders to deliberate on whether Ghana’s current regulatory framework is sufficient to keep pace with the swift evolution of digital finance. As the country moves toward a more digitized economic landscape, the BoG’s focus remains on fostering public trust. The success of these efforts will ultimately depend on a collaborative effort between regulators, fintech providers, and consumers to ensure that the benefits of financial technology are not undermined by the growing sophistication of digital criminals.