The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has issued a stern warning to the general public regarding the sharing of explicit videos and images of minors.

The Authority announced this in a statement dated December 15, explaining that the warning on images and videos of minors followed the circulation of sexually explicit videos and photographs involving some Senior High School students.

Referring to the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), the CSA stressed that it is criminal to circulate indecent minors’ content online.

The statement read, “The public is hereby reminded that it is a crime to share indecent videos and images of children as specified in the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038),” adding that “Section 62 of the Act states that a person shall not take, produce, publish or stream, or possess indecent images or photographs of a child in a computer system or on an electronic device such as a mobile phone.”

The Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) is a Ghanaian law that establishes the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) and provides the legal framework to regulate, promote, and develop cybersecurity in Ghana. It criminalises cyber-related offences (such as child exploitation online, hacking, and fraud), sets rules for protecting critical information infrastructure, and ensures the safe use of digital technologies.

Hence, it urged all who have any of the videos shared with them to immediately delete them and report anyone who continues to share such content. Members of the public can call or text 292 or contact the Authority’s office to inform them.

“The public is urged to immediately delete any such videos or photos when shared with them and to report individuals and bloggers who share such content to the cybersecurity/cybercrime incident reporting points of contact of the CSA. TEXT OR CALL 292 TO REPORT ANY CYBERCRIME / CYBERSECURITY INCIDENT, 0501603111, report@csa.gov.gh,” the statement added.

Consequently, it warned that offenders found culpable will face a 5–10-year jail term.

“Any person, blogger, or institution who is found circulating sexually explicit videos or photographs of children is liable to a term of imprisonment of not less than five (5) years and not more than ten (10) years.”

Economic Adviser at the Office of the Vice President, Professor Sharif Mahmud Khalid, has recommended that the proposed passage of the Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, should be informed by consensus-building, bipartisanship, and broad stakeholder engagement, and not political expediency.

Since cybersecurity affects the general public, the Professor believes that there is a need for extensive consultations with key stakeholders and experts in the digital sector.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, November 1, Professor Khalid cautioned that, “With such legislation, I will always call for bipartisan support,” he said. “The cybersecurity network in the country, including professionals, civil society organisations, and others whose work directly relates to this field, ought to be consulted to chart the way forward.”

Among the about nine stages a bill goes through to become law in Ghana, as stipulated by the dictates of the 1992 Constitution, Professor Khalid noted that legislative drafting is often one of the most complex stages of lawmaking, emphasising that the language used in bills must accurately reflect their intended purpose.

“Legislation can be a very challenging process, and drafting is often the hardest part. Sometimes the intent of a law is not clearly captured on paper, which is why it’s important to involve skilled drafters in the process,” he detailed.

He added that cybersecurity laws must not only be robust enough to address evolving digital threats but also carefully worded to avoid misinterpretation and unintended consequences.

Ghana’s Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is a proposed update to the existing Cybersecurity Act (Act 1038), aimed at expanding the powers of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) to regulate, investigate, and prosecute cyber-related offences. However, it has sparked significant public debate due to concerns over privacy, overreach, and industry impact.

The Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was proposed by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation in Ghana. It was drafted in collaboration with the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), which is the regulatory body responsible for implementing cybersecurity standards and protecting Ghana’s digital space.

The Bill has become a necessity due to the rising cases of cybercrime in the country. The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) in mid-October announced over GH¢19 million in losses to cybercrime between January and September this year. This marks a 17 per cent increase in cybercrime compared to the same period last year.

He expressed concern over the growing trend of online crimes in Ghana, highlighting the dangers it poses to the economy. Earlier in the year, the Authority reported a steep rise in cybercrime, with a record 2,008 cyber incidents, marking a 52 per cent rise from 2024.