MPs Want Law on Sex Tapes

In the wake of frequent leakages of privately recorded sex tapes, Members of Ghana’s Parliament are calling for a rigid legal regime coupled with strict sanctions to address the menace of secret recordings, circulation of sex tapes and private conversations among others.

The legislation of strict sanctions against perpetrators of the crime according to the lawmakers will ensure the protection of privacy.

The MPs said such legislation must be done on the back of constitutional provisions especially article 18 (2) of the 1992 constitution to deter others.

Right to privacy under Article 18 of the 1992 constitution.

The law states that “No person shall be subjected to interference with the privacy of his home, property, correspondence or communication except in accordance with law and as may be necessary in a free and democratic society for public safety or the economic well-being of the country, for the protection of the rights or freedoms of others”.

The call came in the wake of a statement made by Member of Parliament for Subin, Eugene Arhin on the need for Parliament to legislate on the proliferation of secret recordings in the country.

Mr. Arhin who is also a Deputy Minister for Works and Housing said the influx of communication gadgets has made such recordings to become in vogue with its attendant cases of invasion of privacy therefor the need for a legal regime to curb it.

He noted that in an era of evolving technology, Ghana’s current laws with regards to the usability of private recordings as evidence in court care not clear.

Mr. Arhin noted that issues regarding privacy of individuals in such recordings are left in the hands of courts to decide hence the need for proper legislation on the matter to provide clarity.

A former Deputy Minister for the Interior and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga said there is enough legislation to protect rights to privacy but the laws do not prescribe sanctions regimes to deal with offenders.

He urged the current government to reintroduce a “Spy” bill that the previous government was working on to address the challenge.

On her part, Tourism, Culture and Creative Art Minister, Catherine Afeku advocate a national dialogue with all stakeholders’ approach on the subject matter of invading peoples’ privacy to find a lasting solution.

She urged the lawmakers to legislate on the issue in order to protect peoples’ rights.

Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Kwami Etse Dafeamekpor on his part, urged a holistic view of the subject matter whiles supporting sanctions regime to deal with offenders.

North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the National Communications Authority (NCA) must be more proactive in blocking such unwarranted videos from circulating in the public domain.

Public should be urged to refrain from producing such videos in the first place to prevent circulation and supported proposals for legislation to prevent occurrences

Member for Akim Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta-Akyea who was a victim of secret recording whiles conferring with a client urged MPs to be very careful not to become victims of secret recordings.

The Minority leader, Haruna Iddrisu said the mobile phone is an emergency tool and instrument that cannot be away with.

He urged Ghanaians to stop the reckless and irresponsible use of the phone.

The Tamale South MP noted that regulation cannot stop irresponsible use the mobile and stated that the abuse of the phone by Ghanaians is a fundamental problem.

According to him, social media is intended to build social cohesion among people and that must be the focus through the use of the phone.

He cautioned that people in the limelight are targets for blackmail and must be extra careful in handling the device whiles urging self-discipline.

Majority leader and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei-Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu emphasized the need for a legislation to help curb the menace.

According to him Article 41(d) calls for the respect of Rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of others hence its incumbent that Parliament comes to the aid of the citizens.

By: Christian Kpesese/ thePublisher