Key Takeaways
Ghana's Cyber Security Authority has issued an urgent public alert warning citizens about a dramatic increase in AI-generated deepfake videos being weaponized by fraudsters to promote fake investment opportunities and dangerous medical products.
The manipulated videos feature the likeness of national leaders, ministers, Members of Parliament, government officials, and well-known media personalities, with fabricated clips widely shared on platforms such as Facebook attempting to trick viewers into believing these figures endorse fake financial schemes or unsafe medical products.
Sophisticated AI technology fuels scam epidemic
Cybercriminals are using Artificial Intelligence tools to create highly convincing videos and voiceovers, luring victims with promises of guaranteed high returns on non-existent investments or "miracle cures" for conditions like diabetes and obesity.
The scams utilize advanced AI to replicate voices and facial movements, primarily circulating on Facebook, directing victims to transfer funds or purchase dangerous products.
The fraudulent campaigns represent a growing global threat. Similar deepfake scams have resulted in massive financial losses worldwide, including a case where a finance worker was tricked into transferring $25 million after participating in a video conference call with AI-generated impersonations of company executives.
How to spot deepfake videos?
The CSA urged citizens to remain vigilant by spotting warning signs of deepfakes, such as off-sync lip movements, strange eye blinking, unnatural voices, or inconsistent lighting in the videos.
The CSA identified telltale manipulation markers including unnatural eye movements, lip-sync discrepancies, and synthetic speech patterns as critical red flags.
Official response and verification process
The Authority advised against sharing personal or financial details with unverified platforms, urging the public to confirm all investment offers with the Bank of Ghana and all health-related claims with the Food and Drugs Authority.
The cybersecurity agency emphasized that official endorsements should always be verified through credible government or regulatory sources before any financial commitments are made.
To curb the menace, CSA disclosed that it is collaborating with social media companies, law enforcement, and other state institutions to trace and remove these malicious videos and prosecute those behind them.
Rising cybercrime threatens digital progress
The alert comes amid Ghana's rapid digital expansion, with 24.3 million citizens now online. However, this growth has been accompanied by escalating cybercrime.
According to the Cyber Security Authority, Ghana recorded financial losses of GHS 23.3 million in 2024, with an additional GHS 14.9 million lost in the first half of 2025 through fraud, blackmail, and unauthorized access, while reported incidents rose from 1,317 cases in the first half of 2024 to 2,008 during the same period in 2025.
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