Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George has said that the government is preparing a policy proposal that would require users to verify their identity before accessing pornographic websites, as part of efforts to prevent children from being exposed to explicit online content.
Speaking at the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values, George said the proposal is being prepared for Cabinet consideration and could require users to provide a driver’s licence or national identification card before gaining access to adult websites.
“We’re working on going to Cabinet on that to make sure that before you access any X-rated site, you must put either your driver’s licence or your national ID card,” he said, adding that the measure is intended to prevent minors from accessing such content.
George cited measures in the United Kingdom as an example of efforts by governments to restrict children’s access to online pornography through age-verification systems.
The minister said unrestricted exposure to pornography at an early age could negatively affect children’s development, values and decision-making.
“This is the real threat. Because when a child is oversexualised at an early age, it affects their development, it affects their thinking, it affects even their morality and their values and their standards,” he said.
George linked the proposed policy to broader efforts to protect children and preserve what he described as African family values.
He also reiterated his support for the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, often referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, arguing that one of its primary objectives is the protection of children.
“When my colleagues and I in Ghana introduced the Family Values Bill, one of our key arguments has been that we’re fighting for the innocence of Ghanaian children because our children must be protected,” he said.
The minister said Ghana has a responsibility to safeguard cultural and family values for future generations. The proposal is expected to be considered by Cabinet before any legislative or regulatory steps are taken.
Source:myjoyonline.com
