The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the National Crime Agency (NCA) UK have announced a collaborative effort to combat economic and organised crime, with a special focus on fraud reporting, particularly romance fraud.
Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Edward Cudjoe, Director of Administration at EOCO, read a statement on behalf of EOCO Executive Director, Abdulai Bashiru Dapilah.
He emphasized that this initiative is part of the ongoing partnership between EOCO and the NCA since 2022, aimed at tackling cybercrime, money laundering, and other financial crimes.
The Rising Threat of Romance Fraud Romance fraud has seen a sharp increase in recent years, with fraudsters using advanced digital tactics to manipulate victims.
Ghana has been identified as a key location for this type of fraud, which has caused financial and emotional distress to victims worldwide.
“As a nation, we cannot allow our digital space to be hijacked by criminal networks,” Mr. Cudjoe stated. “This campaign will raise awareness, educate the public, and encourage victims and witnesses to report such crimes.”
The Fraud Reporting Campaign The campaign will include a nationwide multimedia initiative throughout March 2025, featuring:
Roadside billboards and posters with bold lettering and bright colors to attract attention.
Social media activations to educate the public on identifying and avoiding romance fraud.
A dedicated hotline and toll-free number for reporting fraudsters.
The public is urged to report suspicious activities related to romance fraud through the following channels:
Sakawa Report Phoneline: 0547-419-419
Toll-Free Number: 0800-910-910
These lines will be operational Monday to Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM, with voicemail services available after hours.
Key Objectives of the Campaign:
Increase awareness about the dangers of romance fraud and other financial crimes.
Encourage public participation in reporting suspicious activities.
Provide education and support for victims.
Strengthen intelligence-sharing and collaboration to dismantle fraud networks.
Promote a safer digital and economic environment in Ghana.
EOCO and NCA’s Commitment EOCO and the NCA reaffirmed their commitment to tackling romance fraud at its root, ensuring that perpetrators face legal consequences.
The agencies have pledged to strengthen cross-border collaboration to track, arrest, and prosecute criminals.
“We all have a role to play in fighting cyber fraud,” Mr. Cudjoe urged. “By reporting, educating, and staying vigilant, we can make Ghana’s digital space safer for all.”
On his part, Anthony Leo Siamah, Deputy Director, Legal and Prosecutions at EOCO, cautioned the public about the deceptive tactics employed by fraudsters, commonly referred to as Sakawa in Ghana.
He explained that scammers use social media and dating platforms to manipulate victims into sending money, personal information, or valuable gifts under false pretenses.
“Romance fraud is not just an online scam—it is a serious criminal offense with severe legal consequences,” Mr. Siamah stated.
"Perpetrators can face charges including fraud, identity theft, money laundering, and cybercrime, which are punishable under Ghana’s Criminal Code (Act 29), the Electronic Transactions Act (Act 772), and the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038).”
EOCO, in collaboration with the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), has intensified efforts to combat romance fraud through enhanced investigations, international law enforcement partnerships, and public awareness campaigns.
The agency is urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity via the toll-free number 0800-910-910 or 0547-419-419.
“Fighting this crime requires collective action,” Mr. Siamah emphasized. “By reporting fraudsters, we can dismantle these criminal networks and protect innocent victims.”
EOCO has assured the public of its commitment to tracking and prosecuting offenders to ensure a safer digital space in Ghana.
Taking his turn, the International Liaison Officer of the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), Dominic Cummins, called on the public to report suspected cases of romance fraud to law enforcement authorities.
Mr. Cummins emphasized the need for collective action in tackling the growing menace of online fraud.
He urged citizens to report individuals engaged in such crimes to help curb financial and emotional exploitation.
The campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage the public to use dedicated hotlines—0547-419-419 and toll-free 0800-910-910—to report suspicious activities related to romance scams.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
Comments