What is "sakawa"

Sakawa is a widespread practice in Ghana and other African countries which combines modern Internet-based fraud practices with ethnic (traditional) or religious rituals. The rituals which are mostly in the form of sacrifices made so that a supreme being aids them (culprits) in getting whatever they may ask from their victims without their victims denying their request. The term Sakawa initially referred to specific online scams but has since broadened to include all types of online frauds and scams mainly targeting foreigners. The rise in the popularity of sakawa has been fuelled by the sakawa culture, this has now become a sub culture in Ghana. Stylish clothes, luxury cars, and enormous wealth only serve to promote this act. In clusters of poverty it can be seen as a way of survival.