Outrage as Russian Tourist’s Secret Recordings of Ghanaian Women Spark Investigation

Outrage on X as Russian Tourist’s Secret Recordings of Ghanaian Women Spark Investigation

A wave of outrage has erupted on X after allegations surfaced that a Russian tourist secretly recorded intimate encounters with women in Ghana using smart glasses and allegedly sold the videos online without their consent.

The controversy began after social media users shared clips purportedly captured with Meta smart glasses, showing the man engaging in flirtatious and intimate interactions with multiple women, including a hotel staff member. The recordings, which reportedly cost $5 each to access, triggered widespread condemnation over privacy violations and potential criminal conduct.

Ejes Gist News reports that the incident has prompted public calls for swift action by Ghanaian authorities, with many users demanding prosecution under Ghana’s cybercrime and privacy laws. Although official statements from security agencies were still emerging, discussions intensified after claims circulated that the presidency had directed relevant authorities to investigate and ensure the removal of the content.

Allegations of Non-Consensual Recording

According to posts circulating online, the tourist allegedly used wearable technology to secretly record women he met during his stay. Social media users claimed several of the women were unaware they were being filmed.

Legal experts note that Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) criminalizes unauthorized access, interception, and publication of private communications. Publishing intimate material without consent may also fall under offences related to the non-consensual distribution of intimate images.

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Advocacy groups argue that the alleged conduct, if verified, constitutes a breach of privacy and exploitation, particularly where consent was not obtained for recording or distribution.

Public Reaction and Government Response

The issue trended widely on X, with users expressing sympathy for the women involved and criticizing the commercialization of private encounters. Many commentators described the situation as a violation of dignity and personal security.

Unverified reports suggested that the Government of Ghana, led by President Nana Akufo-Addo, had taken steps to ensure the removal of the online content. However, as of the time of reporting, there had been no formal press release publicly confirming direct presidential intervention.

Authorities in Ghana have previously warned against the misuse of digital devices to infringe on personal privacy, particularly in hospitality and tourism settings.

Legal and Social Implications

Privacy advocates stress that the case highlights broader concerns around wearable recording devices, including Meta smart glasses, which can capture video discreetly. While such devices are legal consumer products, their misuse may violate local laws when used without consent.

Key legal considerations include:

• Whether consent was obtained for recording.
• Whether consent extended to public distribution.
• Whether commercial sale of such content constitutes exploitation or cybercrime.
• Possible immigration consequences for foreign nationals found guilty of criminal conduct.

Women’s rights organizations in Ghana have also called for stronger enforcement mechanisms to deter digital exploitation and protect individuals from unauthorized recordings.

What Happens Next

Legal analysts indicate that if investigations confirm the allegations, authorities could pursue charges under existing cybercrime statutes. Immigration authorities may also assess whether visa conditions were breached.

The incident has reignited debate about digital privacy, consent, and the ethical boundaries of emerging recording technologies in Ghana’s tourism sector.

Officials have urged the public to avoid sharing the disputed videos while investigations continue.