The Online Publishers Association of Ghana (OPAG) has cautioned its members and the general public against publishing or sharing the viral videos involving a foreign national and several Ghanaian women, stressing that doing so could amount to a criminal offence under Ghana’s cyber laws.
In a statement, the association said the circulation of such intimate content, which gained attention over the weekend, raises serious concerns about privacy, dignity and the legal risks tied to distributing non-consensual recordings online.
OPAG noted that the Cyber Security Authority continues to enforce provisions of the Cyber Security Act, 2020 (Act 1038), which criminalises the recording and distribution of intimate images without consent through electronic means, including social media, emails and text messages.
The videos, said to involve a Russian national allegedly luring women into a hotel room and secretly recording them, have sparked public debate about the protection of victims and the need for stronger awareness of digital safety laws across Ghana.
OPAG warned that reposting or amplifying the footage not only violates the law but also risks causing lasting psychological harm to those involved and their families.
The association reminded online publishers that speed and competition for attention must never come at the expense of ethical responsibility. It urged journalists and content creators to prioritise dignity and professionalism, echoing the long-held view of media pioneer Joseph Pulitzer that ethics are as essential as the news itself.
OPAG called on all members and the public to immediately stop sharing the videos, describing the move as necessary to protect the victims and uphold standards within the digital media space.
It also reaffirmed its support for efforts by authorities to ensure accountability and strengthen protections against cyberbullying, sextortion, misinformation and other online crimes.
The association said it remains committed to working with relevant institutions to promote responsible publishing and to help maintain a safer online environment.
