Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has declared a nationwide emergency over sophisticated deepfake scams proliferating across social media platforms.
In a June 30 advisory, the CSA confirmed a surge in AI-manipulated videos featuring fabricated endorsements by President Mahama, cabinet officials, MPs, and media personalities promoting fraudulent investment schemes and unapproved medical treatments.
These hyper-realistic forgeries utilize advanced AI to replicate voices and facial movements, primarily circulating on Facebook. Scams promise guaranteed financial returns or peddle “miracle cures” for diabetes and obesity, directing victims to transfer funds or purchase dangerous products. The CSA identified telltale manipulation markers—unnatural eye movements, lip-sync discrepancies, and synthetic speech patterns—as critical red flags.
Authorities urge immediate verification of suspicious content with regulatory bodies like the Bank of Ghana (financial schemes) and Food and Drugs Authority (health claims). The CSA is collaborating with law enforcement, social media platforms, and telecom regulators to dismantle distribution networks, citing the scams’ potential to erode public trust and cause financial harm.
This alert follows Ghana’s accelerated digitalization under the Mahama administration, with recent data-cost reductions heightening vulnerability to online exploitation. The CSA emphasizes citizen vigilance as its primary defense strategy.
