Ghana is considering requiring adults to verify their age with an ID before accessing adult websites. Here is what has actually been proposed, and what has not been decided.

What has been proposed

  • Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George has proposed that people show a national ID card (Ghana Card) or driver’s licence before accessing pornography websites.
  • The aim is to keep children from viewing adult content online.
  • He cited the UK’s age-verification regime as a model.
  • Earlier reporting said the Ministry and the Cyber Security Authority proposed using the Ghana Card to verify age, with sites blocked unless a user is authenticated as 18 or older.

Status: a proposal, not a law

WhenWhat happened
Late 2025Ministry and CSA proposal reported; minister says it is heading to Cabinet (December 2025)
4 June 2026Policy described as being prepared for Cabinet consideration
6 June 2026MPs including Prof. Titus Beyuo (Lambussie) and Kwaku Asante-Boateng (Asante Akim South) back the idea

We found no report that Cabinet has approved it, no bill, and no start date.

Privacy concerns

The minister said the measure is to protect children, “not monitor adults”. Critics warn age-verification systems could open the door to surveillance, data leaks and censorship, depending on how they are built: who sees your ID, whether it is stored, and how sites and internet providers handle the checks.

Why the Ghana Card matters here

The National Identification Authority began issuing Ghana Cards to children aged 6 to 14 in October 2025, which makes ID-based age checks more practical.

What parents can do today

  • Use parental controls on children’s phones (Google Family Link, Apple Screen Time).
  • Turn on SafeSearch and YouTube Restricted Mode.
  • Talk to children about what to do if they see something upsetting.

Related: social media age limits: is Ghana planning one?.

This explainer reflects reporting up to June 2026. We will update it when there is official news.

This guide was checked in October 2026. Menus and services change, so if something looks different on your phone, check with your provider.

Common questions

Do I need a Ghana Card to visit adult websites now?

No. As of the latest reports (June 2026), it is a proposal being prepared for Cabinet, not law.

Why is the government proposing this?

To stop children accessing pornography online. The minister said it is meant to protect children, not monitor adults.

Which ID would be accepted?

Reports mention the national ID (Ghana Card) or a driver’s licence.

Is any country already doing this?

The minister cited the United Kingdom’s age-verification rules for adult sites as a model.

Sources