Sakawa is a Ghanaian term for illegal practices which combine modern Internet-based fraud with African traditionalist rituals. The term or word Sakawa is an Hausa word which means putting inside, how to make money.[1][2] The rituals, which are mostly in the form of sacrifices, are intended to spiritually manipulate victims so that the scammer's fraud is successful. The term Sakawa referred to specific online scams but has since broadened to include all types of online frauds and scams mainly targeting foreigners. The scammers flaunt stylish clothes, luxury cars, and enormous wealth, in order to promote this act. In impoverished areas, it can be seen as a way of survival for some.[3][4][5][6][7]

Scammers involved in this practice call themselves Sakawa boys.[8] A culture has developed around Sakawa which has influenced music and clothing brands. Movies depicting the lifestyle have become popular, a movement led by Ghanaian filmmaker Socrate Safo.[9]

See also

References

  1. ^ Darko, Sammy (10 May 2015). "Inside the world of Ghana's internet fraudsters". bbc.co.uk. BBC. Retrieved 4 March 2017.
  2. ^ "The Conception and Perception of 'Sakawa'". www.ghanaweb.com. 30 November 2001. Retrieved 2020-04-02.
  3. ^ "Internet Scamming in Ghana". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 2013-12-05.
  4. ^ Abubakar, Zulaihatu (2012-09-22). "Sakawa Guy Confesses". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2013-12-05.
  5. ^ "Six teenagers engage in mysterious Sakawa deal | General News 2012-12-30". GhanaWeb. 2012-12-30. Retrieved 2013-12-05.
  6. ^ Akwetey-Okunor, Isaac (2012-06-22). "Sakawa coffin exhibited in public | Ghanaian Chronicle". The Ghanaian Chronicle. Archived from the original on 2013-12-17. Retrieved 2013-12-05.
  7. ^ Dzandu, Sammy (2013-06-03). "The sakawa menace ...Any solutions | features". Daily Graphic. Retrieved 2013-12-05.
  8. ^ Darko, Sammy (9 May 2015). "Inside the world of Ghana's internet fraudsters". BBC News. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
  9. ^ Thomas, Morton (5 April 2011). "The Sakawa Boys: Inside the Bizarre Criminal World of Ghana's Cyber-Juju Email Scam Gangs". Vice.

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