CSA blocks 1,300 fraudulent SIM cards as AI-driven scams rise in Ghana
Date: 2025-11-01
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has revealed that more than 1,300 SIM cards
linked to criminal activities were blocked between January and June this year
as part of ongoing efforts to combat cyber fraud in Ghana.
Isaac
Socrates Mensah, Senior Manager at the CSA, disclosed this during the MTN
Bright Conversation on Cybersecurity, noting that mobile money fraud continues
to be one of the most prevalent threats, largely driven by social engineering
rather than technical system breaches. He commended MTN Ghana for its
continuous collaboration with the Authority in tackling mobile money-related
fraud and called for more public education to raise awareness of digital
threats.
Mr.
Mensah also highlighted the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
in Ghana’s digital space, cautioning that scammers are increasingly using AI
tools to fabricate images and videos for fraudulent activities. He revealed
that the CSA has successfully taken down about 50 of such manipulated images
this year alone.
He
further announced that the Authority, in collaboration with mobile network
operators, is preparing to roll out a Central Equipment Register that will
enable the blocking of both SIM cards and devices involved in criminal
activities. According to him, this initiative will enhance deterrence and
strengthen accountability in the digital ecosystem.
Seth
Gyapong-Oware, Senior Manager for Legal and Compliance at the CSA, also
underscored the need for robust policy frameworks to regulate digital
platforms, particularly loan and mobile applications that collect sensitive
user data. He emphasised that a secure digital future requires strong
collaboration among government agencies, private sector players, startups, and
the general public.
Both officials
emphasised that safeguarding Ghana’s digital ecosystem requires joint action
from regulators, startups, education stakeholders, and the public, especially
with the rising threat of AI-generated images and manipulated media being used
in scams.
