Sharing explicit SHS content could lead to 5–10 years in jail - CSA warns public

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has cautioned the public against circulating sexually explicit images or videos involving Senior High School students, warning that offenders risk stiff prison sentences under Ghanaian law.

In a public advisory issued on Monday, 15 December 2025, the Authority reminded citizens that the creation, possession and distribution of indecent images of children is a criminal offence under Section 62 of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038).

The law prohibits any person from taking, producing, publishing, live-streaming or keeping an indecent image or photograph of a child on a computer system or electronic device, including mobile phones.

The CSA stressed that the prohibition covers individuals, bloggers, influencers and institutions. It added that activity on social media or other digital platforms does not provide any protection from the law, noting that offenders face a custodial sentence of not less than five years and up to ten years.

Members of the public who receive such content have been urged to delete it immediately and not forward it on, as sharing—even without malicious intent—still constitutes an offence.

The Authority further appealed to the public to report anyone involved in producing or circulating explicit material featuring minors through its established cybersecurity and cybercrime incident reporting channels, to support swift investigation and enforcement.