Member of Parliament for Assin South, John Ntim Fordjour, claims the government’s new proposal for verifying ages before accessing adult websites is partly meant to distract the public. He stated this on a program called Newsfile. He believes many Ghanaians want a law passed to ban LGBTQ+ activities. Mr. Fordjour said these views represent the beliefs of most citizens.
The MP argued that the government might be seeking a way to shift attention. He said this is from the pressing demand from religious groups and the general public. These groups want a law that upholds Ghana’s traditional values. Rev. Ntim Fordjour noted that these demands are for legislation reflecting the country’s conservative norms.
His comments come as Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George announced a plan requiring age and identity checks for adult websites. Minister George stated this aims to protect children from inappropriate online content. He mentioned similar systems are used in the United Kingdom. Rev. Ntim Fordjour acknowledged that fighting immorality is good. However, he stressed significant policies need wide discussions first.
He cautioned that any policy with broad impacts needs detailed talks with relevant groups. The Assin South MP suggested Hon. Sam George needs to consult more widely. He also pointed to existing worries about other digital plans. He referenced discussions around the proposed National Information Technology Agency (NITA) legislation. Mr. Fordjour believes the government must build agreement before introducing new rules.
He explained that laws and policies affect everyone. They require input and agreement from important stakeholders. The MP warned against pushing difficult policies without enough consultation. This could make them less effective and unpopular. He urged a return to discussions to find the best solutions. Government should avoid popular-sounding answers that cause problems.
The government has not yet released full details of the age verification plan. It is expected to go through more policy reviews and public input. This is before any implementation can begin. The cost of internet data and digital policies remain a key focus for many Ghanaians.