The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has announced plans to introduce a strict age-verification policy requiring users to present a National Identity Card or Driver’s Licence before accessing pornographic websites.
The proposal aims to curb minors’ exposure to sexually explicit content online and promote responsible digital usage across the country.
Speaking at the ongoing 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Values and Sovereignty in Accra on Thursday, Sam George highlighted the dangers of pornography on young people’s development, values, and decision-making.
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He cited the United Kingdom’s age-verification regime — where users must provide a driver’s licence or equivalent proof of age — as a model Ghana could emulate.
“It is important that we understand the danger that we face with pornography. We don’t need to rewrite the script.”
“Today, in the United Kingdom, for you to access a pornographic website, you need to provide your driver’s licence so they can determine that you are 18 years old,” the minister stated.
He added that the government is preparing to present the policy to Cabinet for approval.
“We are working towards taking this to Cabinet to ensure that before anyone accesses an X-rated site, they must provide either a driver’s licence or a national ID card.”
“This will help us identify who is accessing such sites and prevent children from being exposed to that content.”
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to safeguard children as internet penetration grows rapidly in Ghana.
The minister warned that early exposure to inappropriate online material could have long-term negative effects on the youth.