Understanding Cybercrime in Developing Economies: Insights from Agona Swedru, Ghana
Charles Obeng 
, Paul Kwasi Kumah , Hubert Bimpeh Asiedu & Felix Awuah Obeng Senior
Issue: Vol.5 No.14 Issue Article 11 pp.2597 – 2612
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.202451411 | Published online 28th November, 2024
© 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence and primary causes of cybercrime in Agona Swedru. Using a quantitative research survey and a simple random sampling technique, 397 individuals were surveyed. The study’s data were analyzed using both frequencies, cross tabulation and linear regression. The findings highlight that a significant proportion of the population engages in cybercrime, with online romance scams and financial fraud being the common forms of cybercrime being practiced. Unemployment, financial constraints, and poverty were identified as primary causes, pushing individuals towards cybercrime as a means to achieve financial stability. Based on the findings, it is recommended that enhancing employment opportunities through vocational training and job creation programs can alleviate the strain caused by unemployment. Also, establishing financial aid programs and counseling services can help individuals manage financial pressures. Implementing these recommendations will create a more stable and supportive environment, reducing the factors that drive individuals toward cybercrime. By identifying socioeconomic factors, such as unemployment and poverty, as key drivers of cybercrime, this study enhances understanding of the motivations behind cybercrime in Agona Swedru and similar contexts.
Keywords: Cybercrime, Unemployment, Financial Constraint, Poverty
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Mr. Charles Obeng is currently a Teaching and Research Assistant in the Department of Sociology and Social Work at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (KNUST) with first-class honors. He is a multi-disciplinary trained researcher whose works extend into various areas of sociology and health. His research interests include education, public health, criminology, business and politics. His current studies focus on examining the impact of health information technology on patients care quality and efficiency in public hospitals in Ghana, as well as enhancing students’ interest and academic performance through innovative teaching methods such as discussion and multimedia.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Paul Kwasi Kumah is an ordained Priest of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kumasi, Lecturer in sociology with research interest in crime, education, and religion. He holds a PhD in Sociology from the KNUST, MPhil in Sociology from the KNUST, M.Ed. in Educational Administration from the University of Cape Coast, PGDE in Education from the University of Cape Coast, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and the study of Religions from the University of Ghana, Legon, Bachelor of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome. Rev.Fr. Dr. Kumah has Certificates in Criminology from the University of Queensland, Australia, Philosophy from the St. Paul’s Major Seminary in Accra and Sacred Theology from the St. Peter’s Major Seminary in Cape Coast, Ghana. Research interests include Sociology of Education, Criminology and criminal Justice and Religion.
Dr. Hubert received his B/A in Sociology and Study of Religion from the University of Ghana, Legon in 2004 and moved on to attain his MPhil in Sociology of Education at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana in 2011. He later had his PhD in Sociology at the University of Auckland, New Zealand in 2018. His other qualifications are Postgraduate Diploma in Education, University of Cape Coast (2004),and Postgraduate Diploma in Organizational Development, University of Cape Coast (2014). His research interest includes education, religion and criminology.
Mr. Felix Awuah Obeng Senior is an emerging Scholar who holds an Honours degree in Sociology from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana, where he is currently pursuing his MPhil in Sociology. His research focuses on three key areas: Crime and Deviance, Sociology of Food and Nutrition, examining cultural practices and food security; and Indigenous Knowledge and Practices. Through his involvement in multiple research projects, he contributes to both academic discourse and social development initiatives.
Obeng, Charles, Paul Kwasi Kumah, Hubert Bimpeh Asiedu & Felix Awuah Obeng Senior . “Understanding Cybercrime in Developing Economies: Insights from Agona Swedru, Ghana,” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 5, no.14 (2024):2597 – 2612. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.202451411
© 2024 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
