Cyber Security Authority Raises Alarm on Online Blackmail and Sextortion
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has raised a red flag over a disturbing rise in online blackmail and sextortion cases in Ghana, warning the public to be vigilant as cybercriminals employ increasingly deceptive tactics.
According to a statement issued by the CSA on May 2, 2025, a total of 155 cases were recorded between January and April 2024, resulting in financial losses exceeding GHC103,000. However, the situation has worsened significantly in the first quarter of 2025, with the number of reported cases slightly increasing but financial losses skyrocketing to nearly GHC500,000.
“The rise in financial loss is alarming,” said Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Director-General of the CSA.
The CSA explained that perpetrators often create fake social media accounts using attractive photos to lure unsuspecting users, mostly through platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and dating sites. Once a connection is made, they swiftly move conversations to encrypted platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram. Victims are gradually coerced into sharing explicit images or videos, which are then used as tools for blackmail.
One victim, speaking anonymously to this paper, recounted her ordeal: “He seemed charming and kind. We talked for weeks, and I trusted him. After I sent a private photo, he turned on me , instantlydemanding money or he’d release everything. I was terrified.”
The CSA has strongly cautioned that paying a ransom does not ensure that the material will be deleted, nor does it end the blackmail. In many cases, victims are extorted repeatedly.
In response to the rise in cases, the CSA has intensified its public awareness campaigns. The authority is encouraging the public to be cautious about accepting friend requests from strangers, especially individuals with suspiciously perfect profiles. People are also advised to avoid sharing intimate content online, particularly with persons they have never met in real life.
Dr. Antwi Boasiako emphasized that cybersecurity is not just a technical issue. It is a personal safety issue. “We urge citizens to think twice before engaging in risky online behavior. If you fall victim, do not suffer in silence. We are here to help.”
The CSA has established multiple channels for reporting such incidents, including WhatsApp, SMS, and email. Additionally, counselling and emotional support services are available for victims.
Digital safety experts have urged parents, educators, and community leaders to engage in open conversations about online risks, especially with teenagers and young adults who are more likely to be targeted. As the digital space becomes more integrated into everyday life, authorities are stressing the need for personal responsibility and proactive security habits. The CSA has promised to continue working closely with law enforcement and digital platforms to track offenders and minimize cybercrime. To report a sextortion case or seek support, victims can contact the CSA through their official WhatsApp line, email address, or visit their website for more resources.
