The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has begun working with security agencies and international partners following reports that a foreign national allegedly recorded and shared intimate videos of Ghanaian women without their consent.

In a statement released by its Public Affairs Unit on Saturday, February 14, the Ministry said it had “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”.

According to preliminary information, the individual “may not currently be within the country’s jurisdiction”. However, the Ministry stressed that this does not lessen the gravity of the allegations.

“This, however, does not reduce the seriousness of the alleged conduct or the State’s responsibility to pursue accountability,” the statement said.

It further noted that “the non-consensual recording and distribution of intimate images is a criminal offence and a clear violation of dignity and privacy”.

The Ministry stated that even before the current reports emerged, it had been working with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Innovations and its relevant agencies to address image-based sexual abuse.

“It is important to state that, before these reports, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection had already been working… on measures to prevent and respond to image-based sexual abuse,” the statement said.

These efforts include “digital safety interventions, engagement with online platforms, and mechanisms for reporting and takedown of abusive content”.

The Ministry confirmed that these measures “are now being applied to this matter by the relevant authorities”.

The Ministry said it is collaborating with the Ghana Police Service, security institutions and international partners to ensure the matter is properly investigated.

“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,” the statement said.

Authorities are also coordinating support for those affected. The Ministry said “support services, including psychosocial care and legal assistance, are being coordinated through confidential channels to ensure privacy and well-being”.

It added that it operates toll-free helplines for complaints, enquiries and reports of abuse and violence. These can be accessed on 0800-800-800, 0800-900-900 and 0800-111-222.

The Ministry reminded the public to be careful in their interactions, both online and offline.

“We also wish to remind the public to exercise caution in their interactions both online and offline,” the statement said.