The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has condemned the alleged digital sexual exploitation by a Russian.
This is in reaction to reports on social media that a Russian man has been sexually exploiting Ghanaian women.
The Ministry said such acts are criminal, thus is working with the relevant state agencies to address the situation.
“The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has taken note of reports involving a foreign national who allegedly engaged in sexual activities with some Ghanaian women and recorded and circulated those acts without consent.
Preliminary information indicates that the individual may not currently be within the country’s jurisdiction. This, however, does not reduce the seriousness of the alleged conduct or the State’s responsibility to pursue accountability. The non-consensual recording and distribution of intimate images is a criminal offence and a clear violation of dignity and privacy,” portions of a press release issued by the Ministry’s Public Relations Unit read.
“It is important to state that, before these reports, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection had already been working with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Innovations and its relevant agencies on measures to prevent and respond to image-based sexual abuse.
These ongoing efforts include digital safety interventions, engagement with online platforms, and mechanisms for reporting and takedown of abusive content. These measures are now being applied to this matter by the relevant authorities,” the Ministry said.
It added that “The Ministry continues to work with the Ghana Police Service, relevant security institutions, and international partners to explore all lawful options available, including cross-border cooperation and mutual legal assistance.”
They assured that, “Support services, including psychosocial care and legal assistance, are being coordinated through confidential channels to ensure privacy and well-being. The Ministry also operates toll-free helplines on complaints and enquiries as well as on issues of abuse and violence, and can be accessed via 0800-800-800/0800-900-900 or 0800-111-222.”
The Gender Ministry therefore reminded the public to exercise caution in their interactions both online and offline.
“The Ministry remains committed to protecting the rights, safety, and dignity of all persons and to ensuring that jurisdictional limits do not prevent appropriate action,” it assured.
