Ghana Considers ID Verification for Accessing Adult Websites to Protect Children

The government of Ghana is weighing a new policy that could require citizens to verify their identity using a Ghana Card or driver’s licence before accessing pornographic websites, in an effort to shield minors from explicit online material.

The proposal was revealed by the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, during the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values. He explained that the initiative is part of broader measures aimed at strengthening child protection online.

According to him, the policy is still being prepared for Cabinet review and would introduce strict age verification rules for access to adult content platforms.

“We’re working on going to Cabinet on that to make sure that before you access any X-rated site, you must put either your driver’s licence or your national ID card so that we know who you are and who is going to that site to prevent children from being exposed to such content,” he said.

The minister said the move is designed to reduce children’s exposure to sexually explicit content, which he believes can negatively influence their growth and behaviour. He pointed to similar restrictions being considered or implemented in countries such as the United Kingdom.

“This is the real threat. Because when a child is oversexualised at an early age, it affects their development, it affects their thinking, it affects even their morality and their values and their standards,” he said.

Mr. George also linked the proposal to wider national discussions on protecting children and promoting family values. He reiterated his support for the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill, arguing that safeguarding children remains a central goal of such legislation.

“When my colleagues and I in Ghana introduced the Family Values Bill, one of our key arguments has been that we’re fighting for the innocence of Ghanaian children because our children must be protected,” he said.

The proposal is expected to undergo further consultations before any decision is taken by Cabinet.

By: Radio1/ Paulina Armah.