10 Arrested in Online Food Scam Targeting Ghanaians: Police Warn of Rising Digital Fraud

10 Arrested in Food Delivery Scam That Targeted Online Customers Across Ghana

The Ghana Police Service, through its Cybercrime Unit under the CID, has arrested ten suspects accused of operating fraudulent online food delivery platforms that deceived customers into making advance payments without ever receiving the products. The arrests occurred in two operations, first in Sogakope on October 1, 2025, and later in Haatso, Accra, on October 12. The suspects allegedly built fake websites and social media accounts mimicking well-known food brands such as Papaye, KFC, Pizzaman, and Mawarko. Victims were tricked into paying via mobile money and then left without their orders.

This case highlights a growing trend of sophisticated online fraud in Ghana and reflects the urgent need for improved cybersecurity measures, consumer awareness, and stronger enforcement.

First Bust in Sogakope

During the Sogakope operation, police arrested six individuals: Wonder Sakpiti, Sedinam Amaglo, Godsway Dunyo, Angela Agblemekpe, Mathew Aheto, and Fafali Amoah. According to the CID, this followed a period of sustained intelligence gathering that pinpointed the suspects’ involvement in a networked online scam.

Follow-Up in Accra

A second operation led officers to a hideout in Haatso, where they arrested four additional suspects including the alleged mastermind Elijah Sotama Etse, also known as “Pop Smoke.” He was apprehended along with Elliot Sotama Atsu, Jethro Atsu, and Obed Selasi Agboli. Authorities recovered 12 mobile phones and several other digital devices believed to have been used in the commission of the crimes.

All ten suspects remain in custody and were expected to appear before court on Monday, October 13, 2025. They are likely to face charges including fraud, identity theft, and illegal access to electronic communications.

Police investigations revealed that the group operated by creating convincing imitations of the digital presence of major food brands. Fake websites and social media pages were used to take orders from unsuspecting customers, who were directed to send payments via mobile money.

In some cases, the suspects offered to assist victims with transactions, which enabled them to access mobile money wallets and bank accounts without authorization. Once access was granted, funds were withdrawn, and the victims were left with no way to retrieve their money. The digital tools used in the operation are currently undergoing forensic analysis.

Threat to Trust in Digital Commerce

As Ghana continues to transition into a digitally driven economy, the integrity of online platforms is critical to maintaining public trust. Incidents like this undermine consumer confidence, particularly in online services and mobile-based commerce, which are central to the country’s economic growth strategy.

The arrests follow a broader trend of increasing cyber-related crime in Ghana. In the first half of 2025 alone, over 2,000 cybercrime cases were reported nationwide, marking a significant rise from the previous year. These crimes included various forms of online scams, mobile money fraud, and identity theft.

Mobile money fraud is especially widespread. In 2023, more than 13,000 financial fraud incidents were reported, with a significant portion involving mobile money transactions. Losses from such fraud schemes in 2024 were estimated at nearly GH₵10 million, affecting both individuals and businesses.

Such statistics illustrate the scale of the problem and the need for urgent measures to protect digital users from manipulation and financial loss.

Online scams are not unique to Ghana. Across the African continent, countries with growing digital economies are grappling with similar challenges. The rapid adoption of mobile money and e-commerce, combined with limited regulatory oversight, has made fraud a transnational issue. Ghana’s experience can serve as both a warning and a guide for other nations seeking to combat cybercrime effectively.

There have been several local cases where individuals lost significant amounts to similar fraud tactics. One victim reportedly lost over GH₵8,700 after granting access to their mobile wallet during a so-called payment assistance call. In other cases, consumers were scammed into sending payments to fake loan or investment schemes, highlighting the range of digital fraud affecting Ghanaians.

On social media platforms, users frequently share experiences of being contacted by fraudsters posing as service providers or customer support representatives. These imposters often use social engineering tricks such as urgency, fear, or fake promotions to manipulate victims into handing over sensitive information.

These real-world incidents show that digital fraud is not just a statistical concern but a serious personal and financial risk for everyday citizens.

• Expedite the forensic examination of seized digital devices
• Collaborate with telecom companies and financial institutions to flag and block suspicious activity
• Launch educational campaigns in local languages to raise awareness of common scams
• Update cybercrime laws to reflect the growing sophistication of digital fraud schemes

• Avoid making payments through unverified websites or social media pages
• Use official brand websites or mobile apps for orders and payments
• Never share mobile money PINs, passwords, or one-time codes with anyone
• Activate two-factor authentication on digital accounts
• Report any suspicious activity to police or your mobile network provider immediately

Ghana’s digital sector has expanded rapidly over the past five years, with mobile money usage and internet access surging nationwide. While this has fueled innovation in sectors like fintech, retail, and logistics, it has also exposed consumers to new risks. The lack of digital literacy among sections of the population makes them particularly vulnerable to online scams.

This incident is a clear signal that while digital infrastructure is advancing, the systems designed to protect users must advance as well. Law enforcement, regulators, businesses, and citizens must work together to strengthen digital defenses.

The dismantling of this online food delivery scam network by the Ghana Police Service represents a significant breakthrough in the fight against cybercrime. However, the scale and ease with which these frauds were executed reveal deeper vulnerabilities in the country’s digital ecosystem. Without a coordinated approach involving education, regulation, enforcement, and technology, similar scams will continue to re-emerge in new forms. For Ghana and other African nations on the digital frontier, the path forward must include not only innovation but also robust digital security and public awareness.

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