🇬🇭GhanaWest Africa
Ghana considers mandatory ID verification for accessing pornographic websites
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Samuel Nartey George, the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, announced that the Ghanaian government is developing a policy to mandate identity verification for access to pornographic websites. Speaking at the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values on June 4, 2026, he noted that many countries are increasing restrictions on adult content. The initiative aims to protect children from exposure to harmful online material. George cited the United Kingdom's requirement for a driver's license to access such sites as a precedent. He stated that Ghana's proposed policy, currently being discussed with Cabinet, would require users to provide a driver's license or national ID card to verify age before accessing X-rated content. The Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram emphasized that early exposure to sexual content can negatively impact children's development, thinking patterns, morality, and overall values, underscoring the importance of safeguarding children to preserve societal cultural foundations.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Joshua Hamidu Akamba, a former National Organiser of the National Democratic Congress NDC, has urged the President to dismiss certain ministers due to what he terms "arrogance of power." In a video dated June 4, 2026, Akamba, without naming individuals, stated that some ministers, both men and women, have displayed conduct warranting their removal. He also called for state institutions to operate independently, free from political interference, cautioning ministers against influencing their work. Akamba further declared his intention to reject any political appointment from President John Dramani Mahama, emphasizing his lack of interest in government service. He dismissed any suggestions that his comments were motivated by fear or personal gain, highlighting his history of speaking out on national issues.
Governance expert Akwasi Opong-Fosu discussed the June 4 Uprising, stating that its events cannot be fully understood by those who did not experience them. He noted that while the uprising aimed to promote probity, accountability, and social justice, the use of military force did not fundamentally change Ghana’s governance culture. Opong-Fosu emphasized that national values like accountability and integrity must be embraced and taught, not imposed through fear. He argued that many root causes of the 1979 intervention, such as corruption and inequality, persist despite Ghana's democratic transition. Opong-Fosu called for a renewed national dialogue on the lessons of June 4, urging institutions like the National Commission for Civic Education, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and the media to promote these values. He highlighted that Ghana has laws and institutions for accountability, but societal attitudes and partisan divisions hinder their effectiveness. The June 4 Revolution, marking its 47th anniversary, began as a military mutiny led by then Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, driven by public anger over corruption, economic hardship, and poor governance, following a failed coup attempt on May 15, 1979.
Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, the General Overseer of Action Chapel International Ministry, expressed optimism that Africa will develop to a point where its citizens can achieve their aspirations and prosper without seeking opportunities abroad. Speaking at the 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values on June 3, 2026, he articulated a vision for a continent developed through "principles that work for us," rather than foreign models that do not align with Africa's unique realities. He dreams of a future where no African youth will need to queue for visas to other nations for greener pastures, emphasizing the importance of enabling young people to work, labor, and achieve their dreams and goals within their own countries. His remarks were made in conjunction with comments from Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, who also urged African nations to safeguard their cultural values and sovereignty from external influences.
Nana Kwame Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, Member of Parliament for Bosome Freho Constituency, has accused the National Democratic Congress NDC of hypocrisy regarding calls to reconsider the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill. He cited recent comments by Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, suggesting a bipartisan review, which Asafo-Adjei Ayeh claims contradicts Bagbin's earlier stance during former President Nana Akufo-Addo's administration. Asafo-Adjei Ayeh stated he was saddened by this shift in principles, arguing that Bagbin previously ignored calls to reconsider the bill. He questioned why the Speaker now advocates for a bipartisan review under President John Dramani Mahama. Asafo-Adjei Ayeh maintained that the New Patriotic Party NPP never campaigned on introducing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, asserting that existing Ghanaian laws, including the Children's Act, Marriage Act, and sections of the Constitution, already address related issues. Speaker Bagbin reportedly suggested on June 2, 2026, that Parliament could reconsider the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill through a bipartisan approach to build wider national consensus. This directive followed the bill's unexpected passage on May 29, 2026, with Bagbin citing breaches in parliamentary rules and a lack of bipartisan consensus. The bill, passed by Parliament in 2024, aimed to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy, and promotion in Ghana but did not receive presidential assent before the end of former President Nana Akufo-Addo's administrati