The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has launched a full-scale investigation into allegations that a Russian national secretly recorded intimate encounters with multiple Ghanaian women and later distributed the explicit footage online without their consent.
In a strongly worded statement released on Friday, February 14, the Ministry confirmed it is pursuing leads regarding the suspect, who is believed to have already left the country. Authorities suspect the individual engaged in sexual acts with several women during his visit and subsequently shared the videos across various social media platforms, in what is commonly termed “revenge porn” or image-based sexual abuse.
Despite the likelihood that the perpetrator is no longer within Ghanaian jurisdiction, the MoGCSP stressed that geographical borders will not impede the pursuit of justice.
“The non-consensual recording and distribution of intimate images is not only a criminal offence in Ghana but a gross violation of personal dignity and privacy,” the Ministry’s statement read. “The physical location of the suspect does not diminish the seriousness of this conduct, nor does it waive the state’s responsibility to pursue accountability.”
International Cooperation Sought
To track down the suspect, the Ministry confirmed it is collaborating closely with the Ghana Police Service, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Innovations, and other security agencies. Investigators are currently exploring legal mechanisms that would allow for cross-border cooperation, potentially involving Interpol or bilateral agreements with Russian authorities, to locate and prosecute the individual.
The government highlighted that this incident underscores the urgent need for robust digital safety protocols. The MoGCSP noted that it has been actively developing interventions to combat image-based sexual abuse, including establishing rapid-response systems for content takedown and enhancing cyber-surveillance to protect citizens online.
Support for Victims
Beyond the criminal investigation, the government is mobilizing resources to support the women victimized in the scandal. The Ministry stated that it is coordinating confidential support services, providing access to psycho-social counseling and legal aid to help the affected women navigate the trauma and seek redress.
Public Caution
In light of the incident, the MoGCSP has issued a public advisory urging Ghanaians, particularly young women, to exercise extreme caution in both online and offline relationships. The Ministry warned of the growing risks associated with digital intimacy and the permanent psychological and social harm caused by the non-consensual sharing of private content.
The government has vowed to keep the public updated on the progress of the investigation, reiterating that Ghana will not serve as a haven for perpetrators of digital sexual abuse.
