Cyberwar: Is Ghana Prepared to Win?

The rapid expansion of technology has transformed economies, governance, and security landscapes worldwide. In Africa, rising internet penetration and advancements in digitalization have amplified national security challenges, as cyber threats become more sophisticated. Malicious actors—ranging from lone hackers to organized cybercriminal enterprises and even nation-states—are exploiting vulnerabilities in cyberspace to carry out espionage, financial fraud, and cyber sabotage.

For Ghana, the threat of cyberwarfare is no longer a distant possibility—it is a pressing reality. The country has experienced a sharp increase in cyberattacks, exposing vulnerabilities in government systems, financial institutions, and critical infrastructure. Cyber fraud alone led to direct financial losses of $4.32 million (GH¢49.5 million) in the first half of 2024, while data breaches surged by 997% in the first quarter of 2024.

In response, Ghana’s then Communications and Digitalisation Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, launched the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS) to strengthen the country’s cyber defenses. However, as cybercrime becomes increasingly sophisticated, the question remains: Is Ghana truly prepared to win the cyberwar?

The Evolution of the Digital Age and Cybersecurity Threats

The digital revolution has reshaped global security dynamics, presenting both opportunities and risks. The Africa Center for Strategic Studies highlights several key cybersecurity challenges facing African nations today:

• Cyber Espionage – The spread of digital technology has transformed intelligence gathering. Cyber espionage is now a primary tool for state and non-state actors to infiltrate governments, corporations, and even individuals.
• Critical Infrastructure Sabotage – Africa’s government networks, military systems, banking sectors, and telecommunications industries are vulnerable to cyberattacks that can disable or destroy them.
• Organized Cybercrime – Cybercriminal groups exploit digital platforms for scams, financial fraud, and digital extortion. The rise in online financial transactions has made banks and fintech companies prime targets.
• Cyberwarfare and Military Tactics – Cyber operations have become a critical component of modern warfare, as nations develop digital tools for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and even direct attacks on enemy infrastructure.

The consequences of cyberattacks go beyond individual losses; they threaten national security, economic stability, and public trust in digital services.

Recent Cyber Attacks in Ghana and Africa

Ghana is facing a cybersecurity crisis, with cyberattacks targeting critical sectors.

Cyber Fraud and Financial Losses

Cyber fraud in Ghana led to financial losses of $4.32 million (GH¢49.5 million) in the first half of 2024 alone. These figures only represent cases officially reported, meaning the real impact is likely much higher. The Bank of Ghana (BoG) responded by launching the Financial Industry Command Security Operations Centre (FICSOC) to monitor threats and strengthen cyber resilience across the banking sector.

Surge in Data Breaches

Ghana was ranked ninth among the top 10 African countries with the most data breaches in 2024. A 997% increase in data breaches was recorded in the first quarter of 2024, resulting in over 1.2 million exposed records. This surge highlights the country’s urgent need for stricter cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information.

Operation Red Card and Cross-Border Cybercrime

A recent international cybersecurity crackdown—Operation Red Card (Nov 2024 – Feb 2025)—exposed the scale of cybercrime across Africa. The operation led to 306 arrests and the seizure of 1,842 devices across seven African countries, including Ghana’s neighbors Nigeria, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo.

• Nigeria arrested 130 individuals, including 113 foreign nationals, for their role in cyber-enabled scams like online casino fraud and investment scams.
• South Africa dismantled a SIM box fraud scheme, which rerouted international calls as local ones to enable large-scale SMS phishing campaigns.
• Zambia arrested 14 cybercriminals who used malware to take control of victims’ mobile banking accounts.
• Rwanda dismantled a scam network that defrauded victims of over $305,000 in 2024 through social engineering tactics.

This operation proves that cybercriminal networks are highly organized and cross-border in nature. If Ghana does not proactively counter cybercrime, it risks becoming the next major target for these illicit activities.

The Economic Impact of Cyberattacks on Ghana’s GDP

Cybercrime is a major economic threat to Ghana, with losses impacting businesses, government revenues, and investor confidence.

Loss of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Countries with weak cybersecurity policies are less attractive to investors. Data breaches, financial fraud, and weak cyber regulations deter multinational corporations from setting up operations in Ghana.

Impact on Financial Services

Ghana’s growing fintech industry is particularly vulnerable. If customers lose confidence in online transactions due to frequent cyber fraud cases, the country’s digital financial ecosystem could suffer a major setback.

Disruption of Government Services

A cyberattack on Ghana’s electoral systems could destabilize the country’s democratic processes. The Africa Centre for Digital Transformation (ACDT) has already warned of potential cyber threats to Ghana’s December 7 elections, urging stakeholders to take urgent action to secure the electoral process.

How Ghana Can Win the Cyberwar: Key Strategies

To counter the growing cyber threats, Ghana must implement a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.

1. Strengthening National Cybersecurity Policy & Strategy (NCPS)

The NCPS, launched by Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, is a strong step toward securing Ghana’s digital infrastructure. However, the government must ensure its effective implementation, including:

• Establishing a National Cybersecurity Incident Response Center to monitor and neutralize threats in real-time.
• Conducting regular security audits and penetration testing to detect vulnerabilities.
• Strengthening cybercrime laws and enforcing stricter penalties for cybercriminals.

2. Investing in Advanced Cybersecurity Infrastructure

• Deploying AI-driven threat detection systems to identify and prevent cyberattacks before they escalate.
• Establishing Cyber Incident Response Teams (CIRTs) across all critical sectors, including banking, telecom, and government services.
• Enhancing data protection regulations to prevent unauthorized access and breaches.

3. Cybersecurity Awareness & Capacity Building

• Introducing cybersecurity education in schools and universities to build a skilled workforce.
• Training law enforcement agencies on digital forensics and cybercrime investigations.
• Running national awareness campaigns to educate businesses and individuals on cyber hygiene.

4. Public-Private Partnerships in Cybersecurity

• Encouraging banks, telecom companies, and government agencies to share cyber threat intelligence.
• Supporting startups and tech firms in developing innovative cybersecurity solutions.
• Creating a Cybersecurity Innovation Fund to support research in cyber defense technologies.

5. Strengthening Regional & International Cooperation

• Ghana must actively engage in African cybersecurity alliances to share intelligence and strategies.
• Participating in global cybersecurity initiatives such as INTERPOL’s cybercrime operations.
• Signing bilateral agreements with international cybersecurity agencies for knowledge exchange.

Conclusion

Ghana is at a critical juncture in the battle against cyberwarfare. The digital battlefield is evolving, and only nations that prioritize cybersecurity will remain competitive in the global economy.

While the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS) and initiatives like FICSOC mark significant progress, proactive action is essential. Ghana must implement stricter regulations, invest in advanced cybersecurity infrastructure, build a skilled cyber workforce, and strengthen cross-border cooperation to stay ahead of cybercriminals.

The cyberwar is already underway. The real question is: Will Ghana take the necessary steps to emerge victorious?