Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act targets intimate-image threats-Judicial Secretary
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Law on 1 March, he said the law criminalises the taking, keeping or sharing of nude or private images without consent, as well as threats to publish such material
The Judicial Secretary, Musah Ahmed, says people who blackmail others with intimate images could face long prison terms under the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038).
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Law on 1 March, he said the law criminalises the taking, keeping or sharing of nude or private images without consent, as well as threats to publish such material to force victims into paying money or offering sexual favours.
Mr Ahmed said the relevant provisions, covering online sexual offences, include penalties that range from short mandatory minimum sentences to lengthy jail terms, warning that some offences can attract up to 25 years.
He also noted that the law is framed to deal with cases where images are transmitted beyond Ghana’s borders, meaning suspects cannot rely on distance or online anonymity to escape accountability.
Mr Ahmed urged victims not to be intimidated into silence, saying legal reforms and changing social attitudes should encourage reporting, and that the system is designed to protect privacy and dignity.
