Accra, Nov. 8, GNA – The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) says consent to an intimate relationship or sexual encounter does not constitute consent to recording, publication or public exposure.
“Equally, no individual has the right to use intimate images, videos or personal information to threaten, extort, humiliate or exercise control over another person.”
A statement issue by the Public Affairs Unit, MoGCSP has said.
The statement said the Ministry has observed the recurring reports and incidents of indecent exposure, non-consensual recording of intimate encounters, sexual blackmail threats to disclose private images and videos and unathourised circulation of intimate content through social media and other digital platforms.
It further indicated that the Ministry has also observed the apparent recurrence of these practices and their implications for personal dignity, safety, and protection of fundamental human rights.
“Such conduct can expose affected persons to humiliation, intimidation, psychological distress, reputational damage and other forms of exploitation,” it added.
The statement strongly condemned all forms of sexual exploitation, coercion, intimidation and blackmail as well as the unathourised recording of publication and circulation of intimate material.
“These practices and circumstances may constitute criminal offences under the laws of Ghana.”
The Ministry was also concerned about the growing tendency to circulate private and intimate material on social media, which sometimes are accompanied by ridicule, sensational commentary, and publication humiliation.
The statement said, “such conducts can further violate the dignity and privacy of affected persons and compound the harm they experience.”
It has therefore cautioned individuals against engaging in indecent exposure, sexual black mail, non-consensual recording, or the unlawful dissemination of intimate material.
“We further remind the public that the deliberate circulation or republication of such material may itself attract legal consequences.
Ghana’s legal framework, including the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), and the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), provides for the protection of individuals against relevant forms of indecent conduct, sexual exploitation, sexual extortion, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images,” it added.
The Ministry therefore called on the Ghana Police Service and other relevant law enforcement agencies to investigate reported incidents thoroughly and take appropriate action against persons found to have violated the law and ensure the protection of victims and respect due process.
The statement urged victims and survivors, regardless of gender, not to succumb to threats or intimidation but to report such incidents to appropriate authorities for protection.
It also advised social media users, bloggers and content creators to exercise restraint and responsibility by refraining from posting or amplifying intimate images and videos without consent.
“Public interest in an incident does not justify further violations of the privacy and dignity of the persons involved,” it stressed.
The Ministry said it remains committed to strengthen public education, promoting responsible digital conduct, supporting victims and survivors, and collaborating with relevant institutions to prevent sexual exploitation, indecent exposure, technology-facilitated abuse and related forms of vilence.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Joyce Danso
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