The Online Publishers Association of Ghana (OPAG) is warning its members and the general public against the publication and sharing of the viral videos popularly referred to as the “Russian sex videos,” as doing so constitutes a criminal offence under Ghanaian law.
The Cyber Security Act, 2020 (Act 1038) regulates the use of electronic communications, including posts, emails, texts, and other digital means. The law clearly states that the non-consensual recording and distribution of intimate images is a criminal offence and a violation of the dignity and privacy of individuals.
A viral video allegedly involving a Russian national luring Ghanaian females into his hotel room and secretly recording intimate acts has sparked widespread public discussion, raising serious concerns about cyber safety, privacy rights, and the urgent need to protect victims of such crimes.
OPAG wishes to remind its members and the general public that the provisions of Act 1038 remain fully in force. It is therefore imperative for all online publishers and digital media practitioners to strictly adhere to the law to avoid sanctions.
As online publishers, we must always remember that ethics cannot be sacrificed for speed. Ethics remain the cornerstone of our profession. As journalists operating in the digital space, we are guided by the enduring principle echoed by Joseph Pulitzer that “ethics is as sacrosanct as the news itself.” The publication or sharing of such explicit content can cause severe psychological trauma to victims and their families.
In light of this, OPAG strongly urges all members and media practitioners to immediately cease the publication and sharing of these videos in order to protect the dignity and well-being of the victims.
As an association committed to promoting sanity, professionalism, and responsibility in the online space, OPAG reiterates its support for the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) and remains dedicated to raising awareness toward building a safer digital environment free from misinformation, disinformation, cyberbullying, and cybercrime.
While commending the Government of Ghana for efforts to extradite the suspect to face the laws of the country, OPAG further expresses its readiness to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders in combating sextortion, cyberbullying, misinformation, and related digital offences.
SIGNED:
Michael Petit Mawugbe (Efo Mawugbe)
President
0244 883 575
