The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, has expressed concern that individuals in the previous administration allegedly leaked sensitive information to suspected cybercrime targets, a situation he says repeatedly weakened efforts to sanitise Ghana’s digital space and rebuild international confidence.

In an interview that has circulated widely on social media, the Ningo Prampram MP explained that enforcement actions against cyber fraud often failed in the past because operational details were allegedly disclosed to suspects before arrests could be carried out.

He clarified that requests from international partners such as the FBI did not originate under the current administration, noting that investigations into cybercrime were already underway before he assumed office.

“The FBI did not make the requests today, those requests were pending before I became minister,” he said.

According to the Minister, the challenge was not a lack of intelligence or cooperation from international partners, but the deliberate leaking of information from within, which enabled suspects to evade law enforcement.

“But in the past, people were leaking the information to the targets and helping them evade arrest,” he stated.

Sam George said he took a firm stance upon becoming minister to put an end to what he described as internal sabotage of security operations, stressing that restoring Ghana’s international reputation requires decisive action and strict 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.

He linked the issue of information leaks directly to Ghana’s wider challenges with digital credibility, pointing out that cyber fraud has negatively affected the country’s standing with global technology and payment platforms.

“They will blacklist Ghana as long as there’s fraud happening in Ghana,” he said, referencing platforms such as PayPal, TikTok and Meta.

The Minister explained that when arrests are frustrated through leaked information, cybercrime continues, making it difficult for the government to assure international platforms that Ghana is a safe and reliable digital environment.

“As we clamp down on cyber crime, it makes our case stronger as we talk to the platforms to monetise and say that Ghana is a peaceful destination, a safe haven, and that illicit flows will not come through here,” he said.

Sam George also noted that the actions of a few individuals who leak information for personal or criminal gain have far reaching consequences for law abiding citizens, particularly content creators and young people who depend on online platforms for income.

“If you have a few people depriving the majority who are doing legitimate work on social media, content creators, the reason you can’t monetise and get value for your craft is because a few people have chosen to give Ghana a bad name,” he said.

He dismissed claims that economic hardship should be used to justify criminal activity or interference with law enforcement operations.

“The excuse and argument that there are no jobs. Then should we say that we shouldn’t arrest armed robbers as well because everybody will have a reason for crime,” he added.

The Minister’s remarks come at a time when the government is intensifying efforts to strengthen internal controls, deepen collaboration with international partners, and prevent leaks that could undermine investigations into cyber fraud and other digital crimes.

A cyberattack targeting Collins Aerospace, a global provider of check-in and boarding systems, has disrupted operations at several major European airports, including London’s Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin, leading to widespread delays and cancellations on Saturday.

Heathrow Airport confirmed that departing passengers faced delays due to a technical fault in Collins Aerospace’s systems, which provide key services for airlines worldwide. Brussels and Berlin airports issued similar statements, noting that automated check-in and baggage systems had been rendered inoperable since Friday night, forcing a switch to manual operations.

RTX, the parent company of Collins Aerospace, acknowledged the incident as a “cyber-related disruption” but did not specify which airports were affected. The company added that the problem was limited to electronic check-in and baggage handling and assured that teams were working to restore full service.

Brussels Airport described the impact as “large,” warning of ongoing delays and cancellations. Passengers with Saturday flights were urged to confirm arrangements with their airlines before heading to the airport.

Berlin Airport also posted an alert on its website, citing longer waiting times at check-in and promising a swift resolution.

Meanwhile, Frankfurt Airport and Zurich Airport confirmed they were not affected by the disruption.

The government has appointed global audit and advisory firm KPMG as a transaction advisor to guide the restructuring and future direction of AT Ghana, the state-owned telecommunications company struggling with debts exceeding $150 million.

The intervention comes in the wake of escalating tensions between AT Ghana and its tower operator, ATC Ghana, over unpaid charges, which recently led to the nationwide disconnection of AT’s radio access networks. The action, triggered by long-standing indebtedness, nearly left over three million subscribers without service.

Crisis Management

To avert a total blackout, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, announced last Friday that government had directed AT and Telecel Ghana to establish a national roaming agreement. This measure, implemented through the National Communications Authority (NCA), has ensured uninterrupted access to voice, SMS, data, and AT Money services.

Mr. George praised the swift technical collaboration between the two operators, describing their work under difficult conditions as proof of Ghana’s strong telecom expertise.

KPMG has been given 60 days to provide recommendations on restructuring AT Ghana and reviewing government’s shareholding in Telecel Ghana. The ultimate goal, the Minister explained, is to create a strong second operator to balance the country’s telecom market, currently dominated by MTN.

No Merger or Acquisition

Responding to speculation, Mr. George clarified that the current process is neither a merger nor an acquisition.

“What we are witnessing is not a merger and neither is it an acquisition. This is a faux-merger situation, pending the outcome of KPMG’s advisory report,” he stressed.

The final decision on AT Ghana’s future will depend on KPMG’s findings and subsequent government action.

Protecting Jobs

Addressing concerns about staff, Mr. George assured that none of AT’s 300 permanent employees would lose their jobs. He also revealed that the transaction advisor would assess the situation of over 200 contract staff.

“The government is committed to protecting AT workers and their dependents from any adverse effects of the restructuring,” he affirmed.

Stakeholders, including subscribers, creditors, suppliers, and tower operators, have been urged to await KPMG’s report for clarity on the company’s long-term direction.