Sam George Blames Past Information Leaks for Weak Cybercrime Enforcement, Vows Crackdown to Restore Ghana’s Digital Image

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.