A Brief History of Ghana Scams & Scammers

The History of Ghana Scams and Scammers: How It Began, Evolved, and the Role of Technology

Ghana has gained notoriety over the years as a hub for various forms of online fraud and scamming. While Nigerian scams tend to dominate the conversation, scams originating from Ghana share many similarities with their Nigerian counterparts in terms of socio-economic factors, technological access, and adaptability. Over time, scammers in Ghana have refined their tactics, using advanced tools and deceptive strategies to target individuals worldwide, particularly in romance scams, fake business deals, and other fraudulent schemes. To understand how scams in Ghana evolved, it’s important to explore the social, economic, and technological factors that contributed to their rise.

Early Economic Struggles: The Roots of Ghanaian Scamming

Ghana, like many other developing nations, has faced significant economic challenges since gaining independence from Britain in 1957. Despite having rich natural resources, including gold and cocoa, Ghana’s economy struggled due to political instability, corruption, and economic mismanagement. The poverty and unemployment that resulted from these challenges created an environment in which many young people turned to alternative ways of making money, including fraud.

By the 1980s and 1990s, as Ghana attempted to stabilize its economy, underground activities and informal sectors became more prominent. This economic backdrop set the stage for the rise of scams and fraud as a means for survival. Many young Ghanaians, unable to find legitimate work, started turning to deceitful practices to earn a living. At first, scams were small-scale and local, but with the advent of the internet, the scope and reach of these fraudulent schemes began to grow exponentially.

The Role of Technology: Ghana as a Dumping Ground for Electronics

One of the key factors that facilitated the rise of scamming in Ghana was the influx of discarded electronic devices, especially computers, from developed nations. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Ghana became one of the major dumping grounds for electronic waste, particularly in areas like Agbogbloshie, a neighborhood in Accra that became infamous as one of the world’s largest e-waste sites. Tons of outdated or broken computers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices were shipped to Ghana from countries like the United States and European nations.

In these e-waste dumps, resourceful and tech-savvy Ghanaians, especially young people, began scavenging for usable parts. They would collect discarded computer components, piece them together, and build makeshift systems to connect to the internet. Despite the toxic and hazardous conditions of working in these e-waste dumps, many individuals saw this as an opportunity to access the online world. With internet access, they began exploring ways to make money, often turning to online scams.

This improvisation marked a turning point for Ghanaian scamming. By assembling their own computers and accessing the internet, scammers could reach victims from across the globe without needing significant resources. Over time, this allowed online fraud to proliferate, as more young Ghanaians tapped into the potential of internet scams to overcome their economic hardships.

Sakawa: The Intersection of Scamming and Spirituality

A unique aspect of Ghanaian scamming is the practice of Sakawa, which combines internet fraud with traditional African spirituality. The term “Sakawa” refers to a form of organized online fraud that incorporates rituals and spiritual beliefs, often involving juju, or black magic, to ensure the success of the scam. Sakawa practitioners believe that by performing certain rituals, they can increase their chances of deceiving their victims and making more money.

Sakawa became a cultural phenomenon in Ghana, with its influence spreading into music, films, and popular culture. It often involves elaborate rituals where scammers consult spiritualists, known as juju men, to gain supernatural aid. These rituals may involve offerings of animals, talismans, or even more extreme practices believed to bring luck or protection from harm during their scamming activities. The scammers believe that these rituals enhance their persuasive abilities or manipulate their victims’ minds, making it easier to extract money from them.

Young men, often referred to as “Sakawa boys,” embraced this lifestyle, flaunting their newfound wealth through expensive cars, jewelry, and designer clothes. They became symbols of a quick path to success, which further glamorized scamming as a viable economic option for many impoverished youths in the country. The material rewards of Sakawa scams not only drew attention from the media but also sparked debate over the moral and social consequences of combining criminal activity with spiritual practices.

Types of Ghanaian Scams

While Sakawa is one of the most well-known forms of scamming in Ghana, fraudsters engage in a variety of other deceptive activities. Some of the common types of scams include:

• Romance Scams: Scammers create fake profiles on social media or dating platforms, posing as wealthy or attractive individuals. They build emotional relationships with their victims over time and eventually ask for money under the guise of needing help with travel, medical emergencies, or business ventures.
• Online Shopping Scams: Scammers set up fake online stores or use social media to advertise products that do not exist. Once the victim makes a purchase, they never receive the goods, and the scammer disappears with the money.
• Fake Business Opportunities: Victims are lured into bogus investment schemes or fraudulent business deals. Scammers claim to have access to lucrative investment opportunities or commodities, only to disappear after receiving funds from the victim.
• Employment Scams: Scammers advertise fake job offers, often targeting individuals seeking work abroad. Victims are asked to pay upfront fees for visa processing or travel expenses, only to find out that the job offer was fraudulent.

Social Media and Online Platforms

The rise of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp has made it easier for Ghanaian scammers to connect with potential victims. These platforms allow scammers to create fake profiles, impersonate foreign nationals, and reach out to victims with elaborate stories. The anonymity provided by the internet enables scammers to build trust with victims, often without ever meeting them in person. By creating a false sense of security and emotional connection, scammers can manipulate their victims into sending money, sometimes over the course of months or even years.

Government and Law Enforcement Efforts

Over the years, the Ghanaian government has struggled to contain the rise of scamming and online fraud due to limited resources, corruption, and the transnational nature of these crimes. In recent years, however, the government has made efforts to crack down on internet fraud through legislation and law enforcement initiatives. The establishment of Ghana’s Cyber Crime Unit and the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) has been one step toward tackling the issue, as this unit works with international agencies to investigate and prosecute online fraudsters.

Public awareness campaigns have also been launched to educate the public about the risks of online fraud and the potential consequences of engaging in scamming activities. However, as scams become more sophisticated, law enforcement faces challenges in keeping up with the evolving tactics used by scammers.

SCARS Institute Activities

For many years SCARS has been working behind the scenes to bring about change. Starting in 2024, SCARS Institute’s Managing Director Dr. Tim McGuinness has provided dedicated training to Ghana law enforcement and criminal justice professionals. These actions have helped to bring about the largest arrest of West African scammers in history in September 2024.

Summary

The history of Ghanaian scams is a story of resourcefulness and desperation, driven by economic hardship and technological advancements. From scavenging computers in e-waste dumps to creating complex fraudulent schemes online, scammers in Ghana have adapted to changing circumstances and tapped into global networks to carry out their crimes. Sakawa, with its blend of internet fraud and spiritual rituals, adds a unique cultural dimension to the scamming landscape in Ghana.

As the internet continues to provide opportunities for anonymity and global reach, scams originating from Ghana remain a significant concern. Vigilance, education, and international cooperation are necessary to combat these fraudulent schemes and protect potential victims worldwide.