The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has indicated that Ghana’s chances of securing content monetisation from major digital platforms such as TikTok, PayPal and Meta remain slim as long as cyber fraud and online romance scams continue to thrive in the country.

Speaking to journalists at the Ningo-Prampram Education Directorate during the Teachers Awards and Retirees Send-Off ceremony on December 12, the Minister said persistent fraudulent activities are a major barrier to Ghana’s inclusion in global digital monetisation systems.

He explained that while some members of the public expect government to push platforms to enable monetisation for Ghanaian users, the same platforms are unwilling to engage with countries perceived to have high levels of online fraud.

According to Mr George, Ghana risks being sidelined or blacklisted by international digital companies if cybercrime is not decisively addressed.

He recalled that PayPal’s withdrawal from Ghana several years ago was largely driven by fraud-related concerns, a situation he said continues to affect the country’s digital and creative economy.

The Minister stressed that the government remains committed to pursuing cybercriminals, noting that their actions undermine the efforts of law-abiding digital workers, particularly content creators who rely on online platforms for income.

He said a small group of individuals involved in illegal online activities has tarnished the country’s reputation, making it difficult for genuine creators to earn value from their work.

Mr George further explained that intensifying the fight against cybercrime is crucial to rebuilding international confidence in Ghana and strengthening negotiations with global platforms on monetisation opportunities.

He reaffirmed his commitment to restoring Ghana’s image abroad, adding that sustained efforts to curb illicit online activities would help position the country as a credible, secure and attractive destination for digital business and innovation.