The Russian Embassy in Ghana has formally acknowledged reports circulating in the Ghanaian media alleging that a Russian national shared non‑consensual explicit images of Ghanaian women he had sexual relationships with.
In a statement posted on social media, the embassy said it had taken note of reports circulating online, which have drawn Moscow into the allegations due to the involvement of a supposed Russian national. While the statement did not specify any actions the mission intends to take, it confirmed that the matter has reached the attention of the diplomatic mission in Accra.
“The Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Ghana has taken note of the reports in the Ghanaian media on the alleged involvement of a supposedly Russian citizen engaged in sexual activities with some Ghanaian women and recorded and circulated those acts without consent,” the post read.
The acknowledgement comes amid comments by the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, who over the weekend hinted at an engagement with the embassy to explore diplomatic channels for bringing the perpetrator to justice.
The images are said to show the man, Yaytseslav, as the supposed name, in intimate situations with women, which he allegedly recorded without their consent using a hidden-camera device, and later published on social media and adult websites for monetisation. The majority of Ghanaians have condemned the non-consensual circulation of the content as a gross violation of personal dignity and privacy.
Speaking to journalists on February 14, Mr. George emphasised that Ghana will use “every resource at our disposal,” including collaboration with Interpol, to trace the suspect’s whereabouts and ensure legal action if he fails to return. He also indicated that the Ministry would ensure the suspect is tried in absentia if he is not extradited to Ghana.
However, Russia has a longstanding reputation for not extraditing its citizens to face criminal proceedings abroad except under extraordinary circumstances. This reality may complicate Ghana’s efforts and potentially require creative legal strategies or mutual legal assistance agreements.
The act violates Ghana’s digital privacy and cybercrime framework. Under the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), the non‑consensual recording or distribution of intimate images or videos , whether involving adults or minors, is a criminal offence that carries severe penalties.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection also weighed in, condemning the alleged acts as “digital sexual exploitation” and urging the public not to circulate the explicit content further, warning that doing so could itself constitute a criminal offence and cause additional trauma to the victims.
In a statement, the ministry reaffirmed that departure from Ghana does not reduce the seriousness of the conduct and stressed that the State remains committed to pursuing accountability through lawful means, including cross‑border cooperation and mutual legal assistance with international partners.
The ministry also highlighted ongoing collaboration with the Ghana Police Service and relevant security agencies to provide confidential psychosocial support and legal assistance to the women affected, underscoring the government’s focus on victim protection as well as prosecution.
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