The Judicial Secretary, Musah Ahmed, has issued a stern warning to the public that Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), imposes severe penalties for sextortion and the non-consensual dissemination of intimate images.

Speaking on JoyNews' The Law on Sunday, March 1, he explained that the Act criminalises any act of capturing, possessing, or threatening to share someone’s private or nude images without their consent.

"In most cases, perpetrators take private photos and threaten to circulate them unless victims meet certain demands, often involving money or sexual favours. This constitutes a serious offence under the Cybersecurity Act,” he said.

The law, he noted, covers offences under Sections 55 to 62, which specifically target online sexual offences, including threats to publish intimate images with malicious intent.

"If you look at what the law has done, if you threaten to do so without the consent of the party, you're really in for a jail term. And the law even goes so far as to say you could be sent to jail for up to 25 years. In fact, the minimum offences it creates range from one to three years. That one alone is not a joke," he warned.

Mr Ahmed also highlighted that the Act addresses cross-border offences, noting that intimate images can be sent outside Ghana, making perpetrators liable under international cooperation frameworks.

“This ensures that offenders cannot evade justice simply by moving online or across borders,” he said.

The Judicial Secretary emphasised that cultural sensitivities in the past often discouraged victims from reporting such crimes. However, evolving global standards and legal reforms in Ghana now provide stronger protection and encourage victims to report incidents to the authorities.

“The law is clear, and it is serious about protecting the privacy and dignity of individuals. No one should succumb to threats or intimidation,” he stated.