COP Lydia Donkor and Deputy Minister Sukparu Warn of AI-Driven Cybercrime Surge at 2026 National Awareness Month

At the launch of the 2026 National Cyber Security Awareness Month, security officials and government leaders revealed a stark escalation in digital threats, noting that artificial intelligence (AI) now facilitates 55% of all reported cybercrime across Africa. COP Lydia Yaako Donkor of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Deputy Minister Mohammed Adams Sukparu highlighted that while Ghana’s digital transformation has accelerated economic growth, it has simultaneously opened new frontiers for sophisticated criminal activity. This year's awareness campaign, themed "Securing Ghana’s Digital Finance Ecosystem: Building Trust Through Collaboration and Cyber Resilience," aims to address the urgent need for a unified defense against these evolving threats.

Drawing from Interpol’s 2026 African cyber threat assessment, COP Donkor detailed how criminals are increasingly leveraging AI and cryptocurrency to enhance their operations. These technologies allow bad actors to create highly convincing phishing attempts and other complex deceptions that have contributed to continental losses surpassing $484 million since 2024. Donkor emphasized that the CID is actively adapting by expanding its technological capabilities in investigations to match the growing sophistication of hackers and digital fraudsters who exploit the vulnerabilities inherent in rapid digitization.

On the local front, Deputy Minister Sukparu pointed to specific domestic challenges, noting that fraudulent online investment schemes alone have resulted in losses of GH¢1.14 million in Ghana. He urged a critical cultural shift toward prevention and proactive defense, calling on banks, fintech companies, and telecommunications operators to break down silos and work together. Sukparu argued that a coordinated response is the only way to protect the digital finance ecosystem, particularly for vulnerable populations who are most at risk from these complex schemes.

As Ghana continues its digital expansion, the government and security agencies are prioritizing trust and resilience as the cornerstones of the nation's technological future. The 2026 awareness month serves as a catalyst for deeper public-private partnerships, encouraging all stakeholders in the digital economy to invest in robust security infrastructure and consumer education. By fostering a collaborative environment, officials hope to mitigate the financial and social impacts of cybercrime, ensuring that Ghana's digital progress remains secure and beneficial for all citizens.