Report By: Ishmael Barfi
Accra, Ghana— The Cyber Security Authority Ghana (CSA) has raised concerns over a growing number of sextortion cases targeting young girls and women across Ghana, with more than 24 incidents recorded since the beginning of 2026.
According to Jayel Punta Bempa, Assistant Manager for Child Online Protection at the CSA, perpetrators often exploit social media and digital platforms by posing as peers or trusted individuals to gain the confidence of victims before manipulating them into sharing intimate photos or videos.
Once the material is obtained, the offenders reportedly use it to extort money, demand additional explicit content, or coerce victims into sexual favors.
“Sextortion in Ghana is actually on the rise right now. It’s very, very high,” Punta Bempa stated, warning that the increasing trend reflects broader online safety risks facing children and young people as access to smartphones and digital platforms continues to expand.
He explained that many young people engage online without adequate guidance or awareness about the dangers associated with online grooming, cyberbullying, and digital exploitation.
Under Section 66 of Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act, sextortion is classified as a criminal offense, and the CSA is encouraging victims and the public to report incidents promptly to support investigations and prosecution efforts.
The Authority’s mandate under Section 4(g) of the Act includes promoting child online protection through public education, awareness creation, and capacity-building initiatives.
As part of this effort, the CSA has intensified outreach programmes in schools and communities to educate children, parents, and guardians on identifying and responding to online threats.
Punta Bempa emphasized that parents and guardians have a critical role to play in preventing online exploitation.
“It’s important for parents to build their own capacity, understand the apps and platforms children are using, and maintain regular conversations with them about their online activities,” he said.
He further encouraged parents to establish open and trusting relationships with their children to ensure they feel comfortable reporting suspicious online interactions or incidents without fear.
“Establish a cordial relationship with your child so they feel free to report any challenge they face online,” he advised.
The CSA continues to urge the public to report sextortion and other cyber-related offenses through its official reporting channels as part of broader efforts to strengthen child online protection and digital safety across Ghana.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
