MTN Ghana Acknowledges Data Breach, Plans To Contact Over 5,000 Affected Customers

• MTN has issued a release announcing an unfortunate incident that has affected over 5000 customers
• The telecommunication network disclosed that a cybersecurity incident has resulted in a breach of data
• The company vowed to investigate the matter, find the root cause of the breach, and offer support to the affected customer

Telecommunication giant MTN Ghana has confirmed that the data of over 5,700 of its customers has been affected due to a recent cybersecurity incident.

In a press statement released by MTN on April 28, 2025, MTN Group stated that its platforms, however, remain fully operational, adding that it was working to get to the bottom of this.

"MTN Group has experienced a cybersecurity incident. However, our platforms remain fully operational, and we continue to monitor our environment closely. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our systems remain central to how we operate and serve our customers."

The telco giant explained that it was currently working with cybersecurity experts to conduct a thorough forensic investigation.

MTN assured affected customers that they would be contacted directly by the company regarding the breach.

"We are mindful that our stakeholders may have concerns. While at this early stage of the investigation, we have not been able to ascertain the full extent of the incident, early indications are that about 5,700 MTN Ghana customers’ data may have been affected. We will contact the customers involved."

MTN encourages customers to be vigilant

It also shared six security measures MTN users must follow.

"To mitigate any fraudulent consequences, a fraud alert can be placed on an individual's credit report at any of the major credit bureaus.

"Use strong, unique passwords for accounts and change them regularly"

"Keep MTN, MoMo, and banking apps and devices updated. Use strong, unique passwords for accounts and change them regularly."

"Be cautious of unexpected messages and do not click on suspicious links."

"Do not disclose information such as passwords, PINs, and OTPs when asked to do so by phone, text message, or email. "

"Activate multi-factor authentication where available."

MTN employees cannot access customers’ PINS

The Chief Regulatory, Risk, and Compliance Officer of MTN Mobile Money, Godwin Tamakloe, has refuted allegations that employees of MTN can access the PINs of MoMo users.

Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV, Tamakloe indicated that the PINs of MoMo users are not generated manually by MTN employees but rather digitally.

He explained that the system sends MoMo users their mobile money wallet PIN via a text message, with an option to change it to a number they prefer and feel is secure.

Data on customers affected by MoMo Fraud

Godwin Tamakloe also revealed that over 23,000 mobile money users have contacted the customer care centre to report suspicious phone calls and attempted fraud by scammers.

With over 17 million active MoMo users, Tamakloe stated that between 400 to 500 people fall victim to mobile money scams.

Communication Ministry investigate MTN data breach

The Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, in a press release on April 29, 2025, announced that it was investigating the data breach that had affected thousands of MTN customers.

It therefore appealed to MTN consumers to remain calm as it works to find a solution to the challenge.

“The Ministry is working closely with the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), the National Communications Authority (NCA), and the Data Protection Commission (DPC) to investigate the potential breach,” it assured.

At the time of writing the report, the post had raked in over 12,000 views and 70 comments.

Reactions to the MTN data breach

Social media users who took to the comment section of the post have shared their opinions on the issue.

@B6ADASS wrote:

"We need a competitor. MTN needs to go. Expensive data bundles, weak security and firewall, bad or no online customer service."

@ymohmanco commented:

"I wouldn't be surprised. When I received this, it didn't make sense. When the app is updated, and this was from MTN directly."

@stilllyttle opined:

"MTN diɛ, it's like juju paa they are doing to us, because the way they don't respect us, but we can't stop using their network diɛ, it's somehow."

@quame_joe added:

"5,700? But they kept denying any security breaches weeks ago... Those affected should be compensated."

Momo users receive ¢4.7k00 in interest

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that a mobile money (MoMo) user has received over GH₵4,000 in interest from MTN Ghana.

Although Mr Laryea shared the screenshot, it is unclear if the MoMo account from which the interest was paid belongs to him.

The interest was earned through MTN's mobile money savings or investment feature, which allows users to grow their funds while keeping them accessible.

Source: YEN.com.gh