Ghana’s Cashless Economy Could Increase Cybercrime Risks - Kobby Spiky

 Digital ecosystem specialist Kobby Spiky Nkrumah has warned that Ghana’s growing dependence on digital transactions and cashless services could expose more people to cybercrime if public awareness does not improve.

Speaking on Culture Daily on 3Music TV on Thursday, May 21, Spiky said increasing convenience in digital services is making users more vulnerable to scams, fraud, and identity theft.

“The more we become a cashless society, the more we’re going to see some of these things because of the ignorance,” he said.

According to him, many users focus heavily on convenience while paying little attention to cybersecurity risks associated with mobile banking, online payments and digital platforms.

“Convenience is our weakest point. Human beings are the weakest link in every security platform,” he stated.

Spiky explained that cybercriminals increasingly rely on manipulating people rather than attempting to break highly secured systems directly.

“It’s easier to hack people than it is to hack systems,” he said.

The tech entrepreneur cited examples of people casually sharing sensitive personal details, including Ghana Card information, without fully understanding the long-term risks.

“One of the things that really scares me is how people casually give away their Ghana card information,” he said.

He warned that identity theft could become a serious challenge as more national systems become digitally interconnected.

Spiky also argued that increasing security checks on digital platforms often clash with users’ demand for speed and convenience.

“If you make security very high, it makes the system very unusable,” he explained.

Using banking services as an example, he said many users now prefer mobile banking because it is simpler and faster than traditional banking processes.

“That’s why mobile banking is doing better than internet banking,” he said. “Because of convenience.”

He added that people now visit physical bank branches less frequently because digital platforms have become the preferred option for transactions and payments.

The cybersecurity advocate stressed that improving digital literacy is critical as Ghana continues expanding its digital economy.

“Ignorance plus convenience is horrible. And that’s what we are suffering from,” he said.

Spiky called for greater public education on online safety, saying cybersecurity awareness should involve parents, schools, tech companies and government institutions.