The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has called for stronger safeguards across telecommunications networks to address growing concerns over mobile money fraud and protect customers from cybercriminals.

The Acting Director of Communications, International Cooperation and Strategic Partnership at the CSA, Benjamin Maduro Avornyotse, said they have received numerous reports of fraud involving mobile money platforms and are engaging telecommunication companies and other stakeholders to identify gaps in the current system and develop measures to prevent abuse.

Speaking in an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse, Mr Avornyotse said the issue requires a broader conversation involving telecom operators, regulators and other relevant agencies, adding that CSA has held engagements with some telecom operators, including MTN, following concerns from customers about fraudulent activities carried out through mobile networks.

He explained that the discussions have focused on improving the mobile money ecosystem, particularly in situations where fraudsters gain access to phone numbers, trick victims into transferring money or exploit weaknesses to withdraw funds.

“I am aware that the current Director-General has had a series of meetings with MTN, and they have also come into our office for discussions in respect of this matter,” he said.

Mr Avornyotse noted that proposals have emerged among telecom operators, regulators and other stakeholders for additional layers of protection that could prevent fraudsters from immediately withdrawing money when a suspicious transaction is reported.

He said such measures would provide an opportunity for investigations to be conducted and reduce losses suffered by victims.

The CSA official also highlighted challenges associated with linking mobile numbers to the actual identities of users, saying gaps in registration processes sometimes make it difficult to trace perpetrators.

According to him, ensuring that mobile numbers are accurately linked to verified identities, including Ghana Card details, would improve investigations and make it easier to hold criminals accountable.

“If we can clearly link people's SIMs directly to those who own those cards, it will make the work much easier for us,” he said.

Mr Avornyotse, however, stressed that mobile money fraud is not limited to one telecom operator, noting that other networks also experience similar challenges.

He explained that while the CSA works closely with telecom companies and other regulators to mitigate cybercrime, it does not directly regulate the operations of telecommunication networks.

“The Cyber Security Authority does not regulate the telco system, but we've had conversations with them in respect of this and see what role we can play to mitigate the challenge,” he added.

He acknowledged that complaints relating to mobile money fraud continue to increase, describing the number of reports received by the Authority as “one too many.”

Mr Avornyotse urged customers to remain vigilant, avoid sharing sensitive information such as mobile money PINs and report suspicious transactions immediately to improve the chances of recovering lost funds and tracing offenders.

He added that sustained collaboration between the CSA, telecom operators, regulators and law enforcement agencies will be critical in building a safer digital financial environment.