‘Consent to a relationship is not consent to be recorded’ – Gender Ministry warns

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has issued a strong warning against the non-consensual recording and circulation of intimate content, stressing that consent to a sexual relationship does not equate to consent to being recorded or published.

In a press statement issued on November 6, the Ministry expressed concern over recurring reports of indecent exposure, non-consensual recording of intimate encounters, sexual blackmail, threats to disclose private images, and the unauthorised circulation of intimate content, particularly through social media.

“We wish to emphasise that consent to an intimate relationship or sexual encounter does not constitute consent to recording, publication or public exposure. Equally, no individual has the right to use intimate images, videos or personal information to threaten, extort, humiliate or exercise control over another person,” the statement read.

The Ministry condemned all forms of sexual exploitation, coercion, intimidation and blackmail, as well as the unauthorised recording and circulation of intimate material, noting that these practices may constitute criminal offences under Ghanaian law, including the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038).

It also raised concern about the growing tendency to circulate private material on social media, sometimes accompanied by ridicule and public humiliation, which further violates the dignity and privacy of affected persons. The Ministry called on the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to investigate reported incidents thoroughly and take appropriate action against persons found to have violated the law, while ensuring the protection of victims.

It urged victims and survivors, regardless of gender, not to succumb to threats or intimidation but to report such incidents to the appropriate authorities and seek the necessary assistance and protection. Social media users, bloggers and content creators were also urged to exercise restraint by refraining from sharing, reposting or amplifying intimate images and videos without consent.

“Public interest in an incident does not justify further violations of the privacy and dignity of the persons involved,” the Ministry stated.