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The Government of Ghana has formally engaged the Russian Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Sergei Berdnikov, over ongoing investigations into an alleged cybercrime involving a Russian national accused of secretly recording Ghanaian women and distributing the footage online without their consent.
The high-level meeting was led by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, MP, together with the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey. The ministers used the engagement to officially brief the Russian Embassy on the status of investigations and Ghana’s legal position on the matter.
According to the government, preliminary findings by cybersecurity and law enforcement agencies indicate that the suspect allegedly recorded private encounters without consent and subsequently monetised the content on online platforms. Authorities have since begun tracing digital and financial evidence linked to the case.
The ministers emphasised that the issue is not one of morality or private relationships but a criminal offence under Section 67 of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), which prohibits the non-consensual recording and dissemination of intimate images. They stressed that investigations extend to any individual, whether foreign or Ghanaian, who may have redistributed the material.
Given the cross-border dimension of the case, government has activated diplomatic channels and international law enforcement cooperation, including engagement with INTERPOL and other relevant security agencies.
While acknowledging the absence of an extradition treaty between Ghana and Russia, Ambassador Berdnikov confirmed receipt of the formal brief and assured that the information would be transmitted to authorities in Moscow. He noted that the alleged conduct would also be considered criminal under Russian law and pledged continued diplomatic cooperation.
Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the dignity, privacy and rights of citizens and urged the public to refrain from sharing or redistributing the illegal material, warning that such actions constitute criminal offences under Ghanaian law.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has established a victim support desk staffed with clinical professionals to provide psychological and emotional assistance to affected individuals, assuring them of confidentiality as investigations continue.
Yaw Boagyan
