The Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting citizens and ensuring accountability in the case involving a Russian national accused of secretly recording Ghanaian women and distributing the footage online.
The matter is being treated strictly as a cybercrime under national law.
This follows a joint briefing with the Russian Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Sergei Berdnikov, by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mr Samuel Nartey George and the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, outlining the ongoing investigations.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday by the Communication Ministry, preliminary investigations by Ghana’s cybersecurity and law enforcement agencies indicate that the suspect allegedly recorded private encounters without consent, published the material online, and subsequently monetised the content through digital platforms.
“Authorities have initiated steps to trace digital and financial evidence linked to the case,” the statement added.
The Ministers stressed that the matter is not one of morality or private relationships but a clear criminal offence under Section 67 of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), which prohibits the non-consensual recording and dissemination of intimate images. They further noted that investigations extend to any individuals, whether foreign or Ghanaian, who may have redistributed the illegal material.
According to the release, the government has activated diplomatic and international law enforcement cooperation, including engagement with INTERPOL and relevant security agencies.
The Ministers emphasised that while Ghana respects the sovereign legal processes of the Russian Federation, the Government remains resolute in its constitutional duty to protect its citizens and will pursue all lawful avenues to ensure justice.
In his response, Ambassador Berdnikov acknowledged receipt of the formal brief and confirmed that the information would be transmitted to authorities in Moscow. He noted that while there is no extradition treaty between Ghana and Russia, the alleged conduct would also be considered criminal under Russian law and assured Ghana of continued diplomatic cooperation.
The government has urged the public to refrain from sharing or redistributing the illegal material, warning that such actions constitute criminal offences under Ghanaian law.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has established a victim support desk, fully equipped with clinical professionals, to provide confidential psychological and emotional assistance to affected individuals.
Margaret Adjeley Sowah, ISD
