Yesterday, The Chronicle published a disturbing story under the headline: “INTERPOL Sounds Alarm over AI-Driven Sextortion in Ghana.” The report, which highlighted the growing dangers associated with the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI), should serve as a wake-up call to all Ghanaians, particularly policymakers, security agencies and institutions responsible for protecting the country’s digital space.
Artificial Intelligence, the latest revolutionary development in the internet ecosystem, is undoubtedly changing the way societies operate. It is creating opportunities in education, healthcare, agriculture, finance and business, while also opening new frontiers for innovation and economic growth. Ghana’s decision to adopt an Artificial Intelligence Strategy, aimed at driving digital transformation and positioning the country as a technology hub is, therefore, a step in the right direction.
However, every technological advancement comes with its own challenges. Unfortunately, criminals are exploiting the very technology designed to improve lives to commit sophisticated offences against innocent citizens. AI has become a tool for fraudsters, extortionists and cybercriminal networks, who are constantly developing new methods to exploit vulnerabilities in the digital environment.
In the report under reference, INTERPOL identifies digital sextortion as one of the fastest-growing cyber threats on the African continent. Criminals are increasingly using AI tools to create realistic intimate images from ordinary photographs found on victims’ social media accounts.
The fabricated images are then used to blackmail victims, with criminals demanding repeated payments through mobile money platforms or cryptocurrency, while threatening to distribute the content to relatives, employers or the wider public.
The Chronicle finds this development extremely worrying and believes it should be a matter of national concern. The INTERPOL report has exposed troubling realities about Ghana’s cyberspace and the urgent need for government to strengthen measures to protect citizens.
The timing of this report is particularly significant. Ghana has embraced AI as part of its development agenda, recognising its potential to transform critical sectors, improve productivity, create jobs and enhance economic growth. Initiatives such as the One Million Coders Programme demonstrate the country’s determination to prepare young people for the digital economy.
However, we believe these ambitions can only succeed if Ghana’s digital environment is secure. There is little value in promoting digital transformation while allowing criminals to exploit the same platforms to defraud citizens, destroy reputations and damage the country’s international image.
Unfortunately, Ghana’s cybercrime challenges have already attracted global attention. In recent months, the country has appeared in international headlines for the wrong reasons due to allegations involving Ghanaian nationals accused of cyber-related offences.
Recently, Derrick Van Yeboah, popularly known as “Van”, a Ghanaian, was sentenced in the United States to 85 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He was linked to losses exceeding US$10 million, while the wider network was associated with more than US$100 million in losses.
About two weeks ago, another Ghanaian, Frederick Kumi, popularly known as “Abutrica”, was also extradited to the United States over alleged wire fraud offences involving millions of dollars.
While we are of the view that these cases involve individuals and should not be used to label an entire nation, they contribute to a worrying perception that Ghana is becoming associated with sophisticated online fraud. This is a reputation the country cannot afford.
The consequences are not limited to security concerns. Ghana’s investment prospects are also at risk. Investors in today’s digital economy look beyond political stability and economic incentives; they also consider the strength of a country’s cybersecurity systems and the safety of its digital infrastructure. It is, therefore, important for government to recognise that cybersecurity is not merely a security issue; it is an economic necessity.
The Chronicle believes the Jubilee House must urgently intensify efforts to protect Ghana’s cyberspace. The Cyber Security Authority, the Ghana Police Service, telecommunications companies, financial institutions and other relevant stakeholders must work together to develop stronger systems for detecting and preventing AI-driven crimes.
The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations and its allied agencies must rise to the occasion. Ghana cannot afford a situation where criminals are several steps ahead of institutions established to protect citizens.
INTERPOL has sounded the alarm. The warning signs are clear. The time for complacency is over. Ghana must act now before AI-driven cybercrime becomes a crisis that threatens not only citizens, but also the country’s economic future.
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