The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, has raised concerns about individuals in the previous administration leaking sensitive information to suspected cybercrime targets, saying such actions have repeatedly undermined efforts to clean up the country’s digital space and restore international confidence.
Speaking in an interview that has gained wide circulation on social media, the Ningo Prampram MP said enforcement actions against cyber fraud had often failed in the past because operational details were allegedly leaked to suspects ahead of arrests.
“The FBI did not make the requests today, those requests were pending before I became minister,” he said, explaining that investigations into cybercrime long predated the current administration his assumption of office.
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According to him, the problem was not the absence of intelligence or requests from international partners, but the deliberate leaking of information from within, which allowed suspects to evade law enforcement.
“But in the past, people were leaking the information to the targets and helping them evade arrest,” he said.
Sam George said he made a firm decision upon becoming minister to end what he described as internal sabotage of security operations, stressing that protecting Ghana’s international image required decisiveness and confidentiality.
“I made a commitment when I became minister. That anything that we would do to clean up the image of Ghana internationally, we will,” he said.
The Minister linked the issue of leaks directly to the country’s broader struggles with digital credibility, noting that cyber fraud has affected Ghana’s standing with global technology and payment platforms.
“Well they will blacklish Ghana as long as there’s fraud happening in Ghana,” he said, referring to platforms such as PayPal, TikTok and Meta.
He argued that when information is leaked and arrests are frustrated, cybercrime persists, making it difficult for the government to convince international platforms that Ghana is a safe and trustworthy digital destination.
“Because as we clamp down on cyber crime, it makes our case stronger, as we talk to the platforms to monetize, and say that, look, Ghana is a peaceful destination, it’s a safe haven, and that illicit flows will not come through here,” he said.
Sam George suggested that the actions of a few individuals who leak information for personal or criminal reasons have far reaching consequences for law abiding citizens, particularly content creators and young people seeking to earn income online.
“And so if you have a few people, depriving the majority of people who are doing legitimate work on social media, content creators, the reason you can’t monetize and get value for your craft is because a few people have chosen to give Ghana a bad name,” he said.
He rejected arguments that economic hardship should justify criminal activity or interference with law enforcement operations.
“The excuse and argument that there are no jobs. Then should we say that then we shouldn’t arrest armed robbers as well because everybody will have a reason for crime,” he said.
The Minister’s comments come amid renewed efforts by the government to tighten internal controls, improve coordination with international partners, and prevent leaks that could compromise investigations into cyber fraud and other digital crimes.
