
Ghana is considering a new digital policy that could change how adults access explicit content online.
The proposal would require users to verify their age with a Ghana Card before accessing pornographic websites.
Government officials say the move is aimed at protecting minors from harmful online material.
The policy is being developed by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation.
It is supported by the Cybersecurity Authority, which drafted the initial framework.
If approved, the system would block access for users under 18 years.
Age verification would be done through the National Identification Authority database.
Only users confirmed as adults would be allowed to proceed.
Officials say the policy responds to growing concerns about children accessing adult content online.
Smartphone use and internet access have expanded rapidly across the country.
This has made it harder for parents to monitor what children view online.
The proposed system would place responsibility on Internet Service Providers.
ISPs would be required to enforce age verification before granting access.
Users attempting to open adult websites would first be prompted to authenticate their age.
Verification would rely on Ghana Card data held by the NIA.
Government sources say the system is designed to be secure and controlled.
They insist the goal is child protection, not surveillance of adults.
The proposal follows recent public comments made in December 2025.
Communications Minister Sam George confirmed discussions around stricter online safeguards.
He said protecting children online has become a national priority.
Officials argue current age warnings on websites are ineffective.
They say minors can easily bypass existing self-declared age checks.
The proposed policy seeks to close that gap using national identification systems.
Similar age-verification laws have recently been enforced in the United Kingdom.
Authorities say Ghana’s proposal draws lessons from those international examples.
They believe local digital infrastructure can support a similar system.
However, the proposal has already sparked public debate.
Some citizens have raised concerns about privacy and data protection.
Others question how enforcement would work across foreign-based websites.
Government officials say these concerns will be addressed through consultations.
The proposal is still at an early stage.
It is expected to be laid before Cabinet for consideration.
No final decision has been taken yet.
If Cabinet approves the policy, further stakeholder engagement will follow.
That process would include ISPs, regulators, and civil society groups.
READ: Verify and Authenticate Ghana Card With IVSP – NIA
Officials say implementation would not happen immediately.
A possible rollout is being considered for next year.
The government says updates will be communicated as discussions progress.
For now, the proposal signals a shift toward stricter online child protection measures.
Ghanaians are expected to follow developments closely in the coming months.
The Ghana Card requirement for porn verification and spying has been described by many Ghanaians as an excellent policy.
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