Politicization of Economic Cybercrime: Perceptions Among Ghanaian Facebook Users

ABSTRACT

Cybercrime remains a focal point in global and regional discussions concerning contemporary issues in West Africa. In line with this discourse, this article delves into the intricate web of viewpoints that envelop the issue of cybercrime in Ghana, with emphasis on Ghana social media users’ opinion. Our study focuses on analyzing comments related to cybercrime that have been shared by Ghanaian Facebook users. Through thematic analysis, we dissect the primary narratives that revolve around cybercrime in these discussions. What we discovered in our study goes beyond the traditional portrayal of cybercrime as mere unlawful activity. Instead, we have shown a paradoxical sentiment held by Ghanaians who use Facebook. Cybercrime is evolving into a method for marginalized sections of society to push back against Western dominance, internal political hegemonic, and secure financial stabilities. This trend often unfolds within the broader context of challenging governmentalities. Our research challenges the typical focus on cybercrime as primarily a criminal matter. It prompts a reevaluation, urging us to explore cybercrime within the framework of various socioeconomic and political environments. As a result, our study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of individuals attitude toward cybercrime in Ghana, reshaping the way we approach and discuss it.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yushawu Abubakari

Abubakari Yushawu, is a PhD researcher at the Institute of Sociology of the University of Wroclaw, Poland. The author is also currently affiliated to the Department of Security Studies and Criminology of the Macquarie University, Australia. He is also a research fellow at the African Center for Cyberlaw and Cybercrime Prevention (ACCP). His research interest includes sociological theories, social inequalities, deviant and crime studies, criminological theories, and qualitative research methods.

Mateusz Blaszczyk

Mateusz Błaszczyk, (dr hab.) is an associate professor, Head of the Urban and Rural Sociology Department. His key areas of research interest are urban political economy, urban culture, and local and regional development in Central and Eastern Europe countries.