Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has strongly criticized the Ghanaian government’s proposed mandatory identity verification system for accessing pornographic websites. Speaking on Saturday, Bentil warned that such a policy could lead to governmental overreach and unnecessary intrusion into the private lives of citizens, despite the stated aim of protecting minors.
The proposal, disclosed by Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George, aims to prevent children from accessing explicit online content. It suggests that users might need to present national identification, such as the Ghana Card or a driver’s license, before gaining access to adult websites. This policy is slated for submission to the Cabinet for review.
Concerns Over State Regulation of Adult Content
Mr. Bentil articulated his opposition on the program ‘Newsfile,’ emphasizing that while child protection is a valid concern, the government should not employ national identification systems to police adult online consumption. He clarified that his stance is not to ignore the issue but to question the government’s role in regulating what adults view online.
“I am not saying we should do nothing. I am saying it is not the government’s role, in terms of the ID cards, to control people’s consumption of porn,” Bentil stated during the broadcast.
Broader Issues of Online Content Distribution
Bentil highlighted that the more significant issue might not be traditional pornographic websites but the pervasive sharing of explicit material through social media and private messaging applications. He referred to this as “peer-to-peer pornography,” citing platforms like Snapchat and private message exchanges as primary vectors.
He cautioned against the government assuming the role of a “morality police.” Bentil argued that such attempts at moral enforcement by states have historically proven ineffective and often generate unforeseen negative consequences.
“This concept of a morality police, human beings have tended to want to do that and it’s always failed,” he remarked.
Parental and Institutional Responsibility
According to Bentil, the primary responsibility for instilling moral values and safeguarding young people should lie with parents, educational institutions, and religious bodies, rather than government regulation. He stressed the importance of upbringing in shaping individual choices.
“You have to raise your children and make sure that they have the kind of morals that make them not want to do certain things,” he advised.
Focus on Digital Security and Cybercrime
While acknowledging existing age restriction laws, Bentil questioned the Communications Ministry’s prioritization of pornography regulation over more pressing digital security challenges. He pointed out Ghana’s significant issues with cybercrime, including its reputation as a hub for international romance fraud.
“There’s real cybercrime in Ghana. Ghana is one of the capitals of international romance fraud,” he asserted, urging a redirection of resources towards tackling online fraud and other cyber-enabled crimes.
Potential for Abuse and Political Signaling
Bentil further warned that implementing new regulations and administrative structures for pornography control could create avenues for abuse. He predicted the creation of a new bureaucracy that could be exploited for oppressive purposes.
“They’re going to create a whole new bureaucracy which will become the basis for oppressing and trapping all kinds of people, and you’ll be surprised what it will be used for,” he cautioned.
He also suggested the proposal might be an attempt by the government to project a morally upright image, potentially in response to past controversies, such as the debates surrounding Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
“I think this government is trying to signal that they want to own a moral high ground. They tried it with the LGBT thing, and they woefully messed it up,” Bentil commented.
The debate highlights the complex balancing act between protecting vulnerable populations online and upholding individual privacy rights, alongside questions about the government’s appropriate role in regulating personal digital consumption and addressing broader cybersecurity threats.
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