Ghana’s President John Mahama’s X Account Hacked for 48 Hours to Promote Crypto Scam
Ghana’s former President, John Mahama, had his verified X (formerly Twitter) account hacked for 48 hours. Cybercriminals used the account to promote a fake cryptocurrency project, his spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday.
Hackers Promote Fake Solanafrica Project
The breach began on Saturday and was first noticed on Sunday when Mahama’s account started posting about Solanafrica. The hackers falsely claimed that the project was “led by Ghana’s President John Mahama to make payments across Africa free using the Solana blockchain.”
The scammers encouraged Mahama’s followers to invest in the scheme, saying it would change financial transactions in Africa.
Team Regains Control, Deletes Crypto Posts
Mahama’s team deleted the fraudulent posts after noticing the breach, but the account kept sharing crypto-related content, including mentions of a new meme coin.
“The President’s X account was compromised, and we have taken action to regain control,” Mahama’s spokesperson, Kwakye Ofosu, told AFP on Tuesday.
“The account has now been fully restored, and we urge the public to ignore any suspicious cryptocurrency-related posts.”
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Rising Crypto Scams in Africa
The hack highlights growing concerns over cryptocurrency scams in Africa. Digital assets are becoming popular, but weak regulations make it easier for scammers to exploit users.
Scammers often take over verified accounts to promote fake investment schemes. In July 2023, South African opposition leader Julius Malema’s X account was hacked for a similar scam. In 2022, Nigerian businessman Tony Elumelu’s account was also compromised, promoting fake crypto giveaways.
Cybersecurity Experts Call for Better Security
Cybersecurity experts warn that public figures need stronger online security to prevent such attacks.
“Prominent personalities, especially those in government, must tighten their security measures,” said Abubakar Issaka, a cybersecurity expert at Ghana’s Centre for Cyberwatch and Data Protection.
“Two-factor authentication alone is not enough. They should also monitor log-ins, limit third-party app access, and have a dedicated team monitoring their accounts 24/7.”
Authorities Take Steps to Prevent Future Hacks
Solana has gained popularity in Africa due to its lower transaction fees compared to Bitcoin and Ethereum. However, scammers frequently misuse its name to trick investors.
Ofosu confirmed that authorities have taken steps to prevent further misuse of Mahama’s account.
Mahama later reassured his followers, posting, “My team has restored my account, working with the X support team. Thank you for your enquiries and offers to assist.”
The incident serves as a warning to other public figures to enhance their online security and be cautious of rising cyber threats.
Ghana’s President John Mahama’s X Account Hacked for 48 Hours to Promote Crypto Scam
