The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has disclosed plans by government to introduce a mandatory age-verification system that would require users to present a valid national identification card before accessing adult websites.
The proposed policy, which is expected to be submitted to Cabinet for consideration, forms part of broader efforts to protect children and young people from exposure to sexually explicit content online.
Speaking at the 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Values and Sovereignty, the minister stressed the need for stronger safeguards to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate content on the internet.
According to him, the rapid expansion of digital access has increased the risk of children being exposed to pornography, making it necessary for government to explore stricter regulatory measures.
Sam George pointed to age-verification systems being implemented in other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, as examples Ghana could consider in developing its own framework.
Under the proposed arrangement, individuals seeking to access X-rated websites would be required to verify their age using either a National Identity Card or a Driver’s Licence before being granted access.
The minister said the initiative would help ensure that only adults are able to view such content while reducing the likelihood of children encountering explicit material online.
He expressed concern about what he described as the growing sexualisation of young people and warned that early exposure to pornography could have negative consequences on children’s development, values and decision-making.
The proposal is expected to undergo further discussions at the policy level before any final decision is taken by government.