Ministry of Communication Probes MTN Data Breach Impacting Thousands
A cybersecurity breach at MTN, Ghana’s largest telecom provider, has affected 5,700 customers, prompting urgent action. The Ministry of Communication, alongside the National Communications Authority, Cyber Security Authority, and Data Protection Commission, launched a joint investigation on April 29, 2025, to assess the breach’s scope and safeguard affected users.
MTN confirmed the incident on April 26, 2025, revealing unauthorized third-party access to customer data across African markets, including Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. While the company insists its core systems remain secure, the breach has sparked widespread concern about the state of data privacy infrastructure in regions with less robust cybersecurity regulations.
Public reaction on social media reflects deep frustration. Some users highlighted frequent MTN MoMo scams, while others demanded refunds for victims, pointing to a growing distrust in telecom security. Many are calling for stricter accountability, citing global examples like Facebook’s multimillion-dollar fines for similar breaches.
The Ministry has urged MTN customers to stay vigilant while investigations continue, promising updates as more details emerge. This incident underscores the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures to protect digital infrastructure in Ghana and beyond.