Ghanaian ministry condemns sexual blackmail using intimate images
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on MyJoyOnline
Ghana's Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection condemns the non-consensual sharing of intimate images and sexual blackmail, exposing perpetrators to prosecution. It asks Ghanaian police to investigate unauthorised recordings and distributions, according to MyJoyOnline.
Ghana's Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has called on law enforcement agencies to investigate cases involving the non-consensual sharing of intimate images and videos, as well as unauthorised recordings, indecent exposure and sexual blackmail. In a statement published on Friday 6 November, the ministry warned that perpetrators and people who deliberately share or repost such content could face prosecution, according to MyJoyOnline.
The ministry said threats to publish private images and their distribution can undermine the dignity, privacy and safety of victims, with risks of intimidation, psychological distress, reputational damage and further exploitation. It said consent to an intimate relationship or sexual encounter does not constitute authorisation to record, publish or publicly expose such exchanges.
The ministry also warned social media users, bloggers and content creators against reposting intimate content accompanied by mockery or comments intended to humiliate the people concerned. It cited the Criminal Offences Act of 1960 and the Cybersecurity Act of 2020 among the laws that can be used to address indecent behaviour, sexual exploitation, sexual extortion and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
