The Ghana Psychological Association (GPA) has issued a strong call for responsible national discourse following reports of non-consensual intimate image distribution involving young Ghanaian women.
In a public statement released on 16th February 2026, the GPA condemned the alleged actions of a foreign national who reportedly recorded intimate encounters without consent and circulated the footage online. The Association stressed that the violation constitutes sexual exploitation with severe psychological consequences, including trauma, depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal.
“The psychological harm is real and severe,” the statement noted, adding that victims may suffer long-term effects on their relationships, careers, and self-worth.
The GPA also criticized the wave of victim-blaming in public commentary, warning that such attitudes deepen the harm and discourage survivors from seeking help. “Comments such as ‘they should have known better’ represent classic victim-blaming. This kind of public shaming does not protect anyone,” the Association emphasized.
The statement urged the media to adopt responsible reporting that centers the dignity of victims, called on the public to stop sharing the videos under the Cybersecurity Act, and encouraged affected women to seek psychological support. Parents, educators, and community leaders were also advised to use the incident as an opportunity to discuss digital safety, consent, and personal boundaries with young people.
As part of its commitment, the GPA pledged to coordinate psychological support services, collaborate with media houses to promote responsible discourse, and advocate for stronger policy frameworks to address technology-facilitated sexual violence.
Signed by Dr. Richmond Acquah-Coleman, National President of the GPA, the statement reaffirmed the Association’s dedication to protecting victims and reshaping societal responses to exploitation.
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