Gov't working towards mandatory ID verification policy for access to pornographic websites - Sam George

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has announced plans to introduce a policy requiring individuals to verify their age using a National Identity Card or Driver’s Licence before accessing pornographic websites in Ghana.

The proposal, aimed at preventing minors from viewing sexually explicit content online, forms part of the government's broader efforts to promote child safety and responsible internet use.

Speaking at the 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Values and Sovereignty on Thursday, June 4, 2026, the minister said the measure is being considered as a key intervention to protect children from harmful digital content.

According to him, Ghana could draw lessons from age-verification systems implemented in other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, where users of adult websites are required to prove they are at least 18 years old.

“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,” he stated.

Mr. George said the growing availability of online pornography and concerns about the over-sexualisation of young people have made stricter safeguards necessary.

He disclosed that the government is preparing to submit the proposal to Cabinet for consideration.

“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,” he said.

The minister warned that early exposure to sexually explicit material could have adverse effects on children's development, behaviour and decision-making.

He stressed that protecting children from inappropriate online content must remain a national priority, particularly as internet access continues to expand across the country.