Government considering mandatory photo ID checks for pornographic websites — Sam George

Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has revealed that the government is developing a policy that could require individuals to verify their identity before accessing pornographic websites in Ghana.

Speaking at the Fourth African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values, the Ningo-Prampram MP said the proposed measure is aimed at preventing children from being exposed to explicit online content.

According to the Minister, the policy is currently being prepared for Cabinet consideration and may require users to provide a valid national identification card or driver's licence before gaining access to adult websites.

“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.

Mr. George explained that the proposal forms part of broader efforts to strengthen online child protection and promote responsible internet use.

He pointed to measures adopted in the United Kingdom as an example of how governments are seeking to prevent minors from accessing pornographic material online.

“Today in the United Kingdom, for you to access a pornographic website, you need to put your driver's licence for them to be able to determine that you are 18 years,” he stated.

The Communications Minister argued that unrestricted access to pornography at a young age can have long-term consequences for children's development, behaviour, and decision-making.

“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 linked the proposed policy to wider discussions about child protection, family values, and the role of governments in safeguarding young people from harmful online content.

During his address, he also reiterated his support for the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, arguing that protecting children remains one of the key objectives of the 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 Minister maintained that Ghana has a responsibility to preserve its cultural and family values while ensuring that the digital environment remains safe for children and young people.

The proposed policy is expected to be considered by Cabinet before any decision is made on its implementation.