The 2025 Ashanti Konnect Music Festival, sponsored by MTN, transcended its role as a mere entertainment event, evolving into a powerful platform for public education on the critical issue of Mobile Money (MoMo) fraud prevention. While the festival delivered on its promise of electrifying performances from a diverse lineup of Ghanaian musical talent, including gospel artists like Brother Sammy, Jack Alolome, Daughters of Glorious Jesus, and Tagoe Sisters, and secular artists like Okyeame Kwame and Strongman, it was the integrated focus on security awareness that truly distinguished this year’s event. This dual approach of entertainment and education effectively broadened the festival’s impact, reaching attendees on multiple levels and driving home the crucial message of MoMo security.
Central to the anti-fraud campaign was a captivating 45-minute theatrical performance by a drama troupe from the Kumasi Cultural Centre. This creative approach leveraged the power of storytelling to vividly illustrate the dangers of MoMo fraud and provide practical examples of how these scams operate. The theatrical presentation, likely featuring relatable scenarios and characters, made the abstract threat of fraud more tangible and understandable for the audience, thereby increasing the likelihood of behavioral change and improved security practices. This innovative use of drama underscored the festival’s commitment to engaging audiences in a memorable and impactful way.
Complementing the live performance was a video message from Godwin Kwami Tamakloe, Senior Manager at MTN Ghana’s Anti-Money Laundering, Fraud, Compliance, and Risk Unit. Displayed on a giant screen for maximum visibility, Tamakloe’s message delivered key insights into identifying and avoiding common MoMo fraud tactics. This direct communication from a senior MTN official reinforced the company’s commitment to subscriber security and provided practical, actionable advice. The video message, likely concise and visually engaging, served as a powerful reminder of the ever-present threat of fraud and the importance of vigilance.
This multi-pronged approach to fraud awareness reflects MTN Ghana’s broader strategy to combat the escalating incidence of fraud on its network. By empowering subscribers with the knowledge and tools to detect, prevent, and report suspicious activity, MTN aims to create a more secure mobile money ecosystem. This proactive approach goes beyond simply reacting to fraud incidents and focuses on building a culture of security awareness amongst its users. The festival served as a key platform for disseminating this vital information to a large and diverse audience.
The festival’s opening segment at Rattray Park in Kumasi on Saturday, April 19, 2025, further emphasized the importance of MoMo security. Godwin Tamakloe directly addressed the enthusiastic crowd, urging them to protect their PINs and avoid using easily guessed numbers like birthdates. He explicitly warned against responding to unsolicited calls requesting personal information, emphasizing that such calls are often fraudulent attempts to gain access to MoMo accounts. This direct engagement with the audience, combined with the earlier theatrical performance and video message, created a layered and impactful educational experience.
Tamakloe also addressed the specific risks associated with online transactions, advising subscribers to carefully verify the business name displayed during transactions to ensure it matches the intended recipient. This highlighted the increasing sophistication of online scams and the need for users to remain vigilant even when conducting seemingly legitimate transactions. By offering concrete steps to mitigate risk in both online and offline MoMo transactions, MTN equipped attendees with practical tools to safeguard their funds. The festival ultimately aimed to create a lasting impact on user behavior, promoting a culture of security consciousness within the MoMo community. The combination of entertainment, education, and direct engagement with MTN officials ensured that the message of MoMo security resonated with the audience long after the music faded.
