Growing concerns over online safety led thousands of Ghanaians to seek help from the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) last year, as cyber-related inquiries surged across the country.
According to the Authority, its call centre recorded 23,363 public inquiries in 2025, reflecting heightened awareness of digital threats and the need for guidance on online security.
Out of the total inquiries, 4,604 were confirmed cyber incidents, while 18,759 involved requests for advice and support from CSA experts on how to handle potential cyber risks.
The Director-General of the Authority, Divine Selase Agbeti, disclosed the figures during the launch of the Central Region Cybersecurity Competition for Senior High Schools in Cape Coast as part of activities marking Africa Safer Internet Day 2026.
Mr Agbeti noted that behind every cyber report was a personal story, often involving vulnerable individuals such as children and young people who had fallen victim to online abuse or fraud.
“Behind every statistic lies pain and betrayal. These are not abstract risks but daily realities for many people,” he said.
He warned that as internet access expands across the country, users face increasing threats including cyberbullying, fraud, identity theft, misinformation, deepfakes and sextortion.
However, he emphasised that the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 provides strong legal protection, noting that offences such as cyberstalking, online grooming, sextortion and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images could attract prison sentences of up to 25 years.
The event, held at Adisadel College’s Centerbury Hall, also featured a regional cybersecurity contest among senior high schools aimed at building digital skills among students.
In the boys’ category, Adisadel College emerged winners ahead of Mfantsipim School and St Augustine’s College.
Mfantseman Girls Senior High School won the girls’ category, beating Wesley Girls’ High School and Holy Child School.
Held under the theme “Together for a Safer Africa Online: AU Online Safety Policy in Action,” the competition introduced students to practical cybersecurity skills including threat detection, ethical hacking and secure coding.
A member of the CSA Board, Charles Kwansah, urged young people to be cautious about their online activities and protect their digital identities.
He warned that careless online behaviour could have long-term consequences.
“Protect your digital footprint. The internet remembers everything. Every post you click or share shapes your tomorrow,” he advised.
The organisers said the initiative forms part of broader national efforts to build cyber resilience as digital technology becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life.
