Online Publishers Association of Ghana (OPAG) Cautions Against Circulation of “Russian Sex Videos”
OPAG Reminds Media and Public of Legal and Ethical Obligations Under Ghana’s Cyber Security Act
- Sharing the videos is a criminal offence under Act 1038.
- Non-consensual intimate content violates privacy and dignity.
- OPAG urges ethical journalism and protection of victims.
15th February, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
Online Publishers Association of Ghana (OPAG) Cautions Against Circulation of “Russian Sex Videos”
The Online Publishers Association of Ghana (OPAG) is urging its members and the general public to refrain from publishing or sharing the videos widely referred to as the “Russian sex videos,” stressing that such actions constitute a criminal offence under Ghanaian law.
The Cyber Security Act, 2020 (Act 1038) clearly prohibits the non-consensual recording and distribution of intimate images through electronic means, including social media posts, emails, text messages, and other digital platforms. The Act criminalizes these actions as violations of an individual’s dignity and privacy.
Over the weekend, a viral video allegedly showing a Russian national luring Ghanaian women into his hotel room and secretly recording intimate encounters sparked widespread public discussion. The incident has reignited conversations about Ghana’s cyber laws and the urgent need to safeguard the rights and dignity of victims of such acts.
OPAG wishes to remind its members and the public that the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) Act remains in full force and must be strictly adhered to in order to avoid legal consequences.
As online publishers, we must not sacrifice ethics for speed. Ethical standards remain the cornerstone of responsible journalism. As the renowned publisher Joseph Pulitzer once emphasized, “ethics is as important as the news itself.” Publishing or sharing such explicit content can inflict deep psychological trauma on victims and their families.
In light of these concerns, OPAG calls on all members and the public to immediately cease the publication and circulation of the videos in order to protect the dignity and well-being of those affected.
As an association committed to promoting professionalism and integrity in the digital media space, OPAG will continue to support the work of the Cyber Security Authority in fostering a safe online environment free from misinformation, disinformation, cyberbullying, and related crimes.
While commending the government’s efforts to extradite the suspect to face justice in Ghana, OPAG reiterates its readiness to collaborate with all relevant institutions to combat cyberbullying, sextortion, misinformation, and disinformation.
SIGNED:
Michael Petit Mawugbe (Efo Mawugbe)
President
0244883575
