Banks and specialised deposit-taking institutions (SDIs) recorded fewer cases of employee involvement in fraud in 2025, but the Bank of Ghana (BoG) says insider-related financial crime remains a major concern because of the high amounts involved.

The central bank's 2025 Fraud Report shows that the number of employees implicated in fraud fell by 40%, from 365 in 2024 to 219 in 2025.

Cash theft and cash suppression remained the most common forms of staff-related fraud, accounting for 139 of the 219 cases, or 63%. This marks a decline from the 75% recorded the previous year.

Despite the reduction in fraud cases, only 75 employees were dismissed by their institutions during the year. According to the report, the dismissals represented 34% of all staff implicated in fraud and were down 52% from the 155 recorded in 2024.

The report also found that 44 of the 75 employees dismissed, representing 59%, were involved in cash theft and cash suppression.

While banks accounted for only 22% of all cash suppression cases reported across banks and SDIs, they represented approximately GH¢40.7 million, or 96% of the total value at risk from such incidents.

The Bank of Ghana attributed the sharp increase in the value at risk largely to a single case involving GH¢36 million.

According to the Central Bank, the findings show that although financial institutions have made progress in reducing employee involvement in fraud, insider fraud continues to expose the sector to substantial financial losses.

The regulator said tackling the problem would require stronger cooperation among financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, regulators and the public.

"Effectively addressing fraud within Ghana's financial sector demands a unified and sustained effort from all stakeholders (financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, and the public)," the report stated.

The bank also said the continued expansion of digital financial services makes it essential for financial institutions to strengthen internal controls and fraud prevention systems.

"As digitalisation and innovation continue to deepen, the financial landscape becomes increasingly complex and fraud risks continue to evolve, making constant vigilance and strengthened controls necessary," it said.

The Bank of Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regulatory oversight, enhancing supervision and supporting initiatives aimed at preventing fraud and safeguarding the resilience of Ghana's financial sector.