The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, , has disclosed plans to introduce a mandatory age-verification system that would require individuals to present a National Identity Card or Driver’s Licence before accessing pornographic websites in Ghana.

The proposed policy, which is expected to be submitted to Cabinet for consideration, forms part of the government’s broader strategy to shield minors from sexually explicit online content and promote responsible digital citizenship.

Speaking at the , the minister stressed the growing need for stronger safeguards against children’s exposure to harmful content on the internet.

According to Mr. George, Ghana could draw lessons from the United Kingdom’s age-verification framework for adult websites, which requires users to prove they are at least 18 years old before gaining access to such platforms.

“It is important that we understand the danger that we face with pornography. We don’t need to rewrite the script. Today, in the United Kingdom, for you to access a pornographic website, you need to provide your driver’s licence so they can determine that you are 18 years old,” he stated.

The minister argued that increasing concerns over pornography consumption and the growing sexualisation of young people make stricter online regulations necessary.

He revealed that government is actively working on a proposal that would compel users seeking access to X-rated websites to verify their age through official identification documents.

“We are working towards taking this to Cabinet to ensure that before anyone accesses an X-rated site, they must provide either a driver’s licence or a national ID card. This will help us identify who is accessing such sites and prevent children from being exposed to that content,” he explained.

Mr. George warned that early exposure to sexually explicit material could have lasting consequences on children’s moral development, value systems, and decision-making abilities.

He emphasized that as internet penetration continues to expand across the country, protecting children from inappropriate digital content must remain a national priority and a key component of Ghana’s digital governance agenda.

J.A. Plant Pool (GH) Limited (“JAPP”) and its Executive Chairman, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, have taken note of a suit filed by the Honourable Attorney-General purporting to recover the sum of Two Million United States Dollars (US$2,000,000.00) alleged by the Attorney-General to be owed under a contract executed and duly performed by JA Plant Pool (GH) under the District Road Improvement Programme (“DRIP”).

Given the widespread publication of the suit in the media even before it was served on JA Plant Pool (GH) Limited and Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, and the Court has had the opportunity of determining the same, severe and unjustified reputational damage has been caused to JAPP, the Jospong Group of Companies and their local and international business partners by the action of the Attorney-General. JAPP and Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong hereby clarify the material facts as follows:

1. JAPP and Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong categorically deny any indebtedness to the Government of Ghana or any of its agencies arising from the Contract dated 12th February 2024, executed pursuant to the DRIP program.

2. The Contract dated 12th February, 2024 was preceded by the grant of approval by the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) on 10th January, 2024 for the Government to procure the supply of equipment and machines from JA Plant Pool (GH) Limited at a total cost of One Hundred and Seventy-Eight Million, Seven Hundred and Four Thousand, Seven Hundred and Thirty-Nine United States Dollars, Fifty Cents (US$178,704,739.50).

3. Both the PPA approval obtained by the Government (not JA Plant Pool) and the Contract entered subsequently into stated the sum of US$178,704,739.50 as the cost of the machines and equipment.

4. As the Attorney General knows, the Contract has since been fully performed with JA Plant Pool duly supplying all machines and equipment to the Government of Ghana. All payments required to be made under the Contract have been made in strict accordance with the terms of the Contract.

5. JA Plant Pool and Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong consider the suit filed by the Attorney General to be in bad faith and have accordingly instructed their lawyers to challenge the suit and ensure its dismissal.

6. JAPP and Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong urge the public to disregard the imputations of wrongdoing conveyed by the wide publication of the suit by the Attorney-General in the media. The Jospong Group of Companies continues to be committed to the principles of transparency, accountability, lawful conduct and constructive engagement with all stakeholders, including the Government of Ghana.

JAPP (GH) LTD AND JSA TO VIGOROUSLY DEFEND ACTION COMMENCED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

Issued by: J.A. Plant Pool (GH) Limited For and on behalf of J.A. Plant Pool (GH) Limited and Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong Accra, Ghana

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the United Nations Office in Accra, has commemorated the 78th International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers with a solemn Flag-Raising and Wreath-Laying Ceremony held at the Forecourt of the State House on 29 May 2026. The event was observed under the theme, “Invest in Peace.”

Addressing participants, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Assin North, Hon. James Gyakye Quayson, stressed that peace requires deliberate commitment, strategic investment, and collective action. He noted that amid growing global challenges such as armed conflicts, terrorism, political instability, and climate-related security threats, United Nations peacekeeping operations continue to play a vital role in maintaining international peace and security.

Hon. Quayson reaffirmed Ghana’s unwavering commitment to global peace through its continued participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions. He also highlighted the important contribution of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in enhancing peace support operations across the continent. He called for stronger collaboration between the United Nations, the African Union, and other international partners, emphasizing that investing in peace is ultimately an investment in the future of humanity.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Mr. Zia Choudhury, paid tribute to peacekeepers serving in some of the world’s most difficult and dangerous environments. He acknowledged the current global security challenges and resource constraints but noted that UN peacekeeping remains one of the international community’s most effective mechanisms for protecting civilians, supporting political processes, and maintaining stability.

Mr. Choudhury called on Member States to provide sustained political and financial support for peacekeeping operations, stating that investing in peace is far more cost-effective than addressing the devastating consequences of war. He further commended Ghana’s longstanding contribution to international peace and security, revealing that the country currently has more than 1,900 military and police personnel deployed across eight UN peacekeeping missions. He also praised Ghana’s leadership in promoting the participation of women in peacekeeping operations and honoured peacekeepers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The ceremony brought together members of the Diplomatic Corps, government officials, traditional leaders, representatives of the security services, students, and members of the media to honour the sacrifices of peacekeepers and reaffirm Ghana’s commitment to global peace and security.