February 28, 2026
Communications Minister Sam George blames Ghana’s cheap internet for attracting Nigerian Cybercriminals
Accra, February 28, 2026: Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has sparked widespread debate after claiming that the country’s low-cost ₵399 monthly data bundle, which offers around 214GB, is drawing Nigerian cybercriminals to relocate and operate from Ghana. In a widely circulated video clip from a recent press interaction, the minister argued that the attractive pricing makes it easier for fraudsters to carry out online scams with minimal overhead. He reportedly urged telecom providers to consider raising prices as a potential deterrent to such activities.
The statement comes against the backdrop of intensified crackdowns on cybercrime in Ghana throughout early 2026. Authorities, led by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) under George’s oversight, have conducted multiple raids resulting in the arrest of dozens of Nigerian nationals suspected of involvement in mobile money fraud, romance scams, business email compromise, sextortion, and related offences. Notable operations in January and December between 2025 and 2026 recovered laptops, phones, and even firearms from suspected fraud hubs in areas like East Legon Hills, Afienya, Kwabenya, Weija, and Tema.
“The attractive pricing makes it easier for fraudsters to carry out online scams with minimal overhead… [the minister] urged telecom providers to consider raising prices as a potential deterrent.”
However, the minister’s comments have drawn sharp criticism and ridicule online. Many users pointed out factual inaccuracies: Nigeria actually offers significantly cheaper data in many plans, with some providers delivering far higher volumes at lower equivalent costs than Ghana’s ₵399 package. Critics mocked the logic, suggesting that reliable electricity, better infrastructure, or other pull factors, rather than just data pricing, are more likely reasons for any migration of criminal elements.
Social media reactions ranged from disbelief to sarcasm, with comments highlighting that “Nigerian criminals are coming to Ghana because of stable electricity” and questioning why affordable data would uniquely lure fraudsters when similar or better deals exist elsewhere. Some expressed disappointment in George’s shift in tone since assuming ministerial duties, contrasting it with his earlier public persona.
The controversy highlights ongoing regional tensions around cross-border cybercrime. Ghana and Nigeria have held bilateral discussions in recent weeks to strengthen cooperation against these threats, including reviews of recent arrests and potential extraditions. George has repeatedly emphasized that Ghana remains hospitable but will not tolerate its territory being used for illicit digital activities, vowing continued enforcement to protect the country’s cyber reputation.
As Ghana pushes forward with digital innovation and expanded connectivity, the debate underscores the delicate balance between affordable access to the internet and safeguarding against its misuse. Whether telecom pricing adjustments follow remains to be seen, but the minister’s remarks have certainly amplified scrutiny on one of West Africa’s most pressing digital security challenges.
