Ghana faces surge in romance scams: Cybersecurity expert warns of 400% spike
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Friday (23 May), Issaka described the phenomenon as a “borderless crime” driven by emotional manipulation, psychological tactics, and transnational fraud rings
Romance scams and sexual extortion cases are skyrocketing in Ghana, with reported incidents increasing by over 300% in the past year alone, according to Abubakar Issaka, President of the Cyber Security Experts Association of Ghana (CSEAG).
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Friday (23 May), Issaka described the phenomenon as a “borderless crime” driven by emotional manipulation, psychological tactics, and transnational fraud rings.
His comments came in the wake of the expected release of Ghanaian influencer Hajia4Real from a US prison after serving a one-year sentence for her role in a romance scam that defrauded victims of millions.
According to Issaka, while cases like Hajia4Real’s draw international headlines, they are just the tip of the iceberg. “The 300 to 400 percent increase we’re seeing is based on reported cases,” he explained. “Many victims are too ashamed to come forward, meaning the real number could be far higher.”
Issaka outlined how perpetrators build emotional trust with victims online, often through fabricated romantic relationships, before manipulating them into sending money—frequently under false pretences such as medical emergencies. These scams can involve sophisticated collaboration, with “voice actors” or “video decoys” playing roles in the deception.
“One of the most common tactics is faking illness. Scammers fabricate hospital documents and ask for help with bills. The victims, emotionally invested, end up transferring large sums,” he said.
The impact, Issaka stressed, is devastating. “Some victims lose their life savings. Others suffer long-term psychological trauma. Many never speak of it again.”
Issaka called for urgent action, including expanded public education, more psychological support for victims, and investment in cybersecurity training. He acknowledged that Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act 2020 (Act 1038) criminalises such activities with penalties of up to 25 years in prison, but enforcement and awareness remain challenges.
CSEAG, he said, is already collaborating with the Cyber Security Authority and Ghana Police’s cybercrime unit, offering forensic investigations and safe reporting channels such as the national 292 hotline.
Despite efforts, Issaka admitted, “We need more trained professionals, more funding, and a national strategy. We are mentoring young people, but it’s not enough. The threat landscape is evolving faster than our current response.”
As romance scams evolve, Issaka urged the public to be vigilant. “Love is not a financial transaction. If someone online asks for money, pause—and protect yourself.”
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