The Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations in Ghana is considering new ways to regulate children’s access to social media and adult content online. Minister Samuel Nartey George revealed that one possible method under review is linking access to digital platforms with the Ghana Card.
Speaking after an event to honour teachers in the Ningo-Prampram District, the minister expressed concern about the negative impact of the internet on children’s education, saying technology has become a major distraction pulling students away from their studies.
He cited international examples, including Australia's ban on social media access for minors and similar moves in some U.S. states, noting that Ghana is closely monitoring these developments.
The proposal, if implemented, could introduce age verification systems tied to the Ghana Card, potentially restricting underage access to adult content and unregulated social media use.
The move follows Australia’s recent law banning children under 16 from accessing platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Ghana’s Communications Minister, Samuel Nartey George, confirmed that a policy drafted by the Cyber Security Authority seeks to implement similar protections locally.
If approved by Cabinet, the new regulation will require internet service providers (ISPs) and telecom companies to verify users’ age using the Ghana Card, similar to the UK system. In the UK, access to adult content now requires age verification through official ID such as a driver’s license — not just clicking a button to claim you're over 18.
Mr. George stated that Ghana's system would authenticate users' age via the National Identification Authority (NIA) database. Unless verified as 18 or older, access to pornographic and adult content will be blocked.
The proposal is expected to be submitted to Cabinet in 2026. The ministry is also engaging with tech companies on broader issues of online safety and responsible social media use.
