The Ghana Psychological Association (GPA) has raised an alarm over the harm stemming from the non-consensual recording and circulation of nude videos involving several young Ghanaian women and an alleged Russian sex tourist.

In a statement on Tuesday, February 18, signed by its National President, Dr. Richmond Acquah-Coleman, the Association expressed deep worry about the incident and its potential impact on the affected individuals.

Psychological Harm Is Severe

According to the GPA, secretly recording and distributing intimate content constitutes sexual exploitation and carries serious mental health implications. Research shows that victims of such violations often experience trauma-related symptoms, including depression, anxiety, shame, social withdrawal, and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts.

The Association stressed that the women involved did not consent to being filmed or to having their private moments circulated online.

“The violation of trust and dignity in such cases can have enduring psychological consequences, affecting relationships, careers, and self-worth,” the statement noted.

Victim-Blaming Worsens Trauma

The GPA expressed concern about public commentary focusing on judging the women rather than addressing the alleged perpetrator’s actions. It described remarks suggesting the women “should have known better” as victim-blaming, cautioning that such narratives deepen trauma and discourage others from reporting abuse.

The Association emphasised that social interaction, exchanging contact information, or engaging in a private relationship does not amount to consent for secret recording or public distribution.

Cultural and Social Context

The statement also highlighted broader social and psychological factors that may shape vulnerability.
Ghana’s culture of hospitality and openness, while a strength, can make it difficult for individuals to assert firm personal boundaries in certain situations.

The GPA further referenced cross-cultural power dynamics linked to perceived socio-economic status or nationality, noting that historical and media narratives shape these influences. Reports indicate the alleged perpetrator employed calculated manipulation, including building rapport and using concealed recording devices.

“When deception is deliberate, responsibility rests with the deceiver,” the Association stressed.

Beyond the directly affected women, the GPA warned that public mockery and repeated sharing of such content send harmful signals to society, particularly to young people. Responding to exploitation with ridicule, it said, discourages victims from seeking help and normalises the idea that victims are responsible for predatory behaviour.

The Ghana Psychological Association is thus calling on law enforcement agencies to pursue accountability under the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), while safeguarding the dignity and rights of the affected women. It urged media organisations to avoid sensationalism and refrain from resharing the footage, emphasising the principle of doing no further harm.

The public is also cautioned to stop circulating the videos, noting that sharing such content may constitute a criminal offence and perpetuates psychological harm. Parents, educators, and community leaders are being encouraged to use the moment to promote conversations about consent, digital safety, personal boundaries, and awareness of manipulative tactics.

GPA’s Commitment

The Association pledges to coordinate psychological support for affected individuals, promote responsible national discourse, develop public education materials on digital safety and consent, and advocate for policies that integrate psychological services into responses to technology-facilitated sexual violence.

The Association called for a shift in the national conversation from victim-blaming to accountability, cautioning that the emotional toll on those affected can be severe and long-lasting. The association reaffirmed its commitment to protecting mental health and upholding dignity in public conversations surrounding sexual exploitation.