NCA Urges Public to Protect Mobile Money Accounts, WhatsApp Against Fraud

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The National Communications Authority (NCA) has urged the public to strengthen the security of their mobile money accounts and WhatsApp accounts to prevent fraud and the theft of personal information.

Deputy Manager for Corporate Consumer Affairs at the NCA in the Eastern Region, King Norbert Akpablie, made the call during the MTN Media and Stakeholder Forum, where he appealed to media practitioners to intensify public education on digital safety, consumer protection and the need for customers to seek redress when their rights are violated.

He emphasised that passwords, PINs and verification codes must be kept confidential, warning that sharing such information with unknown persons could expose individuals to financial losses and unauthorised access to their accounts.

According to him, public education remains essential in addressing mobile money fraud and other forms of cybercrime, particularly as more people rely on digital platforms for their daily transactions.

Mr Akpablie also stressed the importance of collaboration among relevant institutions in tackling cable theft and related infrastructure challenges, suggesting that stronger cooperation between telecommunications companies, the police, local authorities and other stakeholders could help address such incidents more effectively.

He noted that the collaborative approach adopted by relevant institutions in responding to mobile money fraud cases could serve as a model for addressing cable theft and other infrastructure-related concerns.

NCA Addresses Concerns Over Telecommunications Masts

Touching on concerns surrounding the installation of telecommunications masts and cell sites, Mr Akpablie called on the media to help educate communities about the safety of telecommunications infrastructure.

He disclosed that some cell sites were expected to be deployed in the Eastern Region, with completion anticipated before the end of the year.

with the relevant authorities during the construction and installation process, while assuring the public that the facilities are subject to the appropriate regulatory and technical checks.

Mr Akpablie explained that radiofrequency signals used by telecommunications infrastructure enable mobile phones to communicate with networks. He said public education was necessary to address fears surrounding radiation from cell sites.

He further indicated that relevant technical and environmental requirements, including structural safety checks, were important in ensuring that telecommunications installations met the required standards.

Public Urged to Activate WhatsApp Two-Step Verification

The NCA official also warned against the growing risk of WhatsApp account takeovers, explaining that fraudsters could gain access to accounts and impersonate their owners to solicit money from friends and relatives.

He urged users never to share WhatsApp verification codes with anyone and encouraged them to activate two-step verification to provide an additional layer of security.

He also advised mobile money users to protect their wallets by keeping their PINs private and remaining vigilant against suspicious calls, messages and requests for personal information.

Mr Akpablie called on journalists to use their radio programmes, online platforms and other media channels to educate the public on digital security, consumer rights and the procedures for seeking assistance when problems arise.

He reaffirmed the NCA’s commitment to public education and encouraged media practitioners to work closely with the Authority and telecommunications operators to promote responsible digital practices.

MTN and NCA Mark 30 Years

Mr Akpablie noted that the forum was particularly significant as both MTN Ghana and the NCA were marking 30 years of operations in Ghana in 2026.

He welcomed the participation of media practitioners and other stakeholders, describing their involvement as important to achieving the shared objective of empowering consumers and improving public understanding of telecommunications services.

He urged journalists to serve as partners in disseminating accurate information, addressing public concerns and helping consumers understand their rights and responsibilities in an increasingly digital society.

By: Paulina Arham/Radio1.