Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA), in a joint intelligence-led operation with National Security operatives, conducted an early morning raid in Kasoa Tuba (Central Region) On Saturday December 13, 2025; this resulted in the arrest of 32 Nigerian nationals suspected of running an organized romance scam syndicate.

The operation seized devices like laptops and phones, which are now undergoing forensic analysis. This announcement came from Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, who praised the Cyber Security Agency and described it as “another massive blow against cybercrime in Ghana.

Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, in a appreciation post on X to CSA

He emphasized the government’s commitment to making Ghana an “unattractive destination for cybercrimes” and urged public support for security agencies to protect the country’s reputation. This arrest is part of Ghana’s intensified crackdown on cybercrime in 2025, following similar operations, including INTERPOL-coordinated efforts across Africa that led to hundreds of arrests for romance scams and extortion.

What Are Romance Scams and Why Do You Need to Know?

Romance scams (also known as “online dating scams” or “confidence fraud”) are a form of cybercrime where fraudsters create fake profiles on dating sites, social media, or apps to build emotional relationships with victims. Once trust is established, they invent excuses (e.g., medical emergencies, travel costs, or investment opportunities) to request money, gifts, or financial information.

Key facts and red flags:

• Common tactics: Scammers often pose as attractive professionals (e.g., military personnel, doctors, or businessmen) abroad. They quickly profess love, avoid video calls or in-person meetings, and pressure victims for urgent financial help.
• Victims: Frequently target elderly or lonely individuals, but anyone can fall prey. In many cases, victims are from Western countries (e.g., US, UK), with losses running into millions globally.
• Global impact: The FBI reported over $1 billion in losses from romance scams in the US alone in recent years. In Africa, Nigeria and Ghana have been identified as hubs, though operations often involve international networks.
• Why it’s rising: Easy access to the internet, anonymity online, and economic pressures drive participation. Some scammers justify it as “retribution” or economic necessity, but it’s illegal and causes severe emotional and financial harm.

How to protect yourself:

• • Never send money to someone you’ve only met online.
  • Verify identities (reverse image search photos, insist on video chats).
  • Be wary of sob stories or requests for wire transfers, gift cards, or crypto.
  • Report suspicions to authorities (e.g., FBI’s IC3 in the US or local cybercrime units).

This incident highlights how cybercrime networks exploit borders, but also shows increasing international and regional cooperation to combat them. Stay vigilant online—trust is earned slowly, especially in digital relationships.

Ghanaian social media personality and businessman Godwin, widely known as Columbia 1K, has tragically died following a severe car accident in East Legon, Accra. The incident occurred on Thursday, December 11, 2025, when Columbia 1K’s white Honda Civic collided with another vehicle at a traffic light. Various reports indicate he died at the scene before medical help could arrive.

Columbia 1K was renowned for showcasing his flashy lifestyle on platforms like TikTok, where he often highlighted luxury items, including phones—earning him a reputation in some circles as a phone dealer or enthusiast. His content attracted a large following, with fans drawn to his extravagant displays.

News of his passing broke on Friday, December 12, with friends and fans sharing emotional tributes online. One close associate, Junior Tee, posted a heartfelt video recalling their time together. Videos circulating from the scene show the mangled remains of his luxury vehicle, underscoring the severity of the crash.

The Ghanaian government launched an emergency transport measure to address the chronic evening rush-hour chaos in Accra, deploying additional buses on key routes to help commuters get home more reliably and affordably. This comes amid rising complaints about long queues, inflated fares by commercial drivers, and safety risks for those stranded after work.

Speaking to journalists in Parliament, Mr Bukari said the initiative forms part of an emergency response to growing public concerns about the scarcity of reliable evening transport across the capital. He explained that the Ministry, in collaboration with Intercity STC Coaches Limited, will redeploy long-distance buses that return to Accra early, assigning them to busy intra-city routes during rush hours.

“We are going to employ some buses commencing from today, 10th December,” he said. According to him, STC will make available buses that are not in use, ensuring that “those buses are available at the peak hours to support our commuters who have closed from work to get home safely.”

The initiative, announced by Transport Minister Joseph Nikpe Bukari, marks a quick-response collaboration between the Ministry of Transport and Intercity STC Coaches Limited, repurposing long-distance buses that return to the capital early for intra-city service.

Key Details of the Deployment

Routes Covered: Four high-demand corridors identified for their severe evening bottlenecks:

• Accra–Madina–Adenta
• Accra–Achimota–Amasaman
• Accra–Mallam–Kasoa
• Tema–Beach Road stretch
  • Bus Allocation: At least eight buses per route, operating specifically during peak evening hours starting from 4:30 p.m.
  • Immediate Goals: Reduce congestion, shorten wait times, enhance commuter safety, and prevent price gouging by informal operators like trotros (minibuses).
  • Expansion Plans: The Ministry aims to add more buses in the coming weeks to fully cover demand, ensuring “all our commuters [can get] home safely.”

This move is a band-aid for Accra’s broader urban transport crisis, where rapid population growth (the city now exceeds 2.4 million residents) has outpaced infrastructure. Informal trotros handle most daily commutes but often overload vehicles and exacerbate gridlock on arterial roads, where average speeds hover around 28 km/h. While longer-term solutions like Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems with dedicated lanes are under discussion, this deployment offers tangible relief starting right away.

Public Reaction and Context

The feedback from commuters and journalists highlights optimism, with many praising the government’s responsiveness to daily hardships. As of December 11, 2025, no major disruptions have been reported, and the service is already in effect. For those in Accra, this could mean smoother evenings—keep an eye on STC stations or the Ministry’s updates for real-time schedules. If you’re commuting in the area, consider checking the official STC ticketing site for fares and timings, though this is a no-fare, public-service rollout for now. What’s your take on Accra’s traffic—does this help, or is more needed?