Mahama Declares Tough Measures Against Romance Scammers With Culprits Set to Face Trial Abroad
President John Dramani Mahama has issued a stern warning to individuals involved in online romance scams, declaring that perpetrators will face extradition and prosecution in jurisdictions where their crimes were committed. He made the announcement during the launch of the 2025 National Cyber Security Awareness Month on October 1.
According to the President, Ghana will not be a safe haven for internet fraudsters who prey on unsuspecting victims, both locally and abroad. He stressed that once investigations are complete and evidence is secured, offenders will be handed over to foreign authorities for trial and punishment under existing extradition treaties.
“Anybody involved in romance scams, whether you are a foreigner or a Ghanaian citizen, we will hand you over to be tried and punished accordingly,” President Mahama warned. He added that Ghana is working closely with international law enforcement agencies to track down and dismantle cyber fraud networks.
His comments come in the wake of Operation Contender 3.0, a recent INTERPOL-led crackdown across 14 countries, which resulted in the arrest of 260 suspects. In Ghana alone, 68 people were arrested, with several electronic devices, forged documents, and SIM cards seized. Authorities have identified 108 victims in the country, with financial losses estimated at about 450,000 dollars, of which nearly 70,000 dollars has already been recovered.
The President also raised concerns about insider involvement in the scams, disclosing that certain staff within financial institutions had colluded with cybercriminals to manipulate systems. He assured the public that those found guilty of such misconduct had been sanctioned, while the Bank of Ghana and other regulators are taking swift action to prevent further infiltration.
Mahama stressed that the government’s uncompromising stance is not only to protect victims but also to safeguard Ghana’s international image, which risks being tarnished by the growing menace of cyber fraud. He further urged citizens to remain vigilant, noting that scammers increasingly pose as telecom or financial institution representatives to trick people into revealing sensitive information.
“The reputation of our nation is at stake, and we will not allow the activities of a few individuals to undermine our standing in the global community,” Mahama stated.
The government says it will continue to strengthen international cooperation, tighten local enforcement, and implement stricter oversight of financial institutions as part of its broader fight against cybercrime.
