The government is considering a policy that would require internet users to present a National Identity Card or driver’s licence before accessing pornographic websites, Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George has disclosed.

The proposal, aimed at preventing minors from viewing sexually explicit material online, forms part of broader efforts to promote responsible internet use and strengthen child protection measures in Ghana.

Addressing participants at the Fourth Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Values and Sovereignty, Sam George said the policy draws inspiration from age-verification measures adopted in the United Kingdom.

“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 said.

The minister argued that increasing concerns about the effects of pornography and the over-sexualisation of young people have heightened the need for stronger safeguards.

Proposal headed to Cabinet

He revealed that the government is working towards presenting the proposal to Cabinet for approval.

“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 stated.

He said exposure to explicit content at a young age could negatively influence children’s development, values and decision-making.

Safeguarding the next generation

Emphasising the importance of protecting children, the minister said the continent’s future depends on preserving the innocence and wellbeing of younger generations.

“The fight against Africa is not against those of us sitting in this room. We were a lost case. The fight is against our children,” he said.

He noted that protecting children was one of the central justifications for introducing the Family Values Bill.

“Our children must be protected and safe. We were protected by our parents in an African family setting. We must do the same for our children and grandchildren,” he added.

Sam George maintained that safeguarding children from inappropriate online content must remain a priority as digital connectivity continues to grow nationwide.

Should the Cabinet approve the proposal, Ghana would become one of a small number of African countries to implement mandatory age-verification requirements for adult-content websites. Users would be required to verify that they are at least 18 years old before gaining access to X-rated platforms.

No timeline has yet been provided for Cabinet consideration or possible implementation of the policy.