UNICEF Ghana has warned that online safety for young people is reaching a critical point, following a staggering rise in reported cases of child sexual abuse material linked to the country.
Data from the US-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children revealed that over 51,000 reports were connected to Ghana in 2025. The figure marks a massive escalation compared to just 750 cases logged in 2016, pointing to a rapidly worsening crisis surrounding technology-facilitated exploitation.
Addressing participants at a Child Online Protection and Digital Parenting Forum in Accra, UNICEF Ghana Child Protection Specialist Miho Yoshikawa urged stakeholders to step up measures to shield children from digital threats.
The event was staged by the Cyber Security Authority as part of activities marking the 2026 National Cyber Security Awareness Month.
Ms Yoshikawa noted that whilst digital access opens up immense learning opportunities for youngsters, it simultaneously exposes them to severe harm if left unchecked.
“While acknowledging the positive opportunities the internet offers, children also face significant risks of harm online. For instance, the US-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children shared more than 51,000 CyberTipline reports in 2025 related to child sexual abuse material being accessed, shared or produced from Ghana. This represents a substantial increase from 750 reports in 2016 to more than 51,000 in 2025,” she said.
She stressed that national protection frameworks must evolve alongside the rapid expansion of internet connectivity across the country.
Highlighting the front-line role of families, Ms Yoshikawa explained that parents and caregivers must be empowered with the necessary tools to detect potential danger early.
She referenced the WeProtect Model National Response, which places strong emphasis on supporting guardians to safeguard children against online predators and abusive content.
The forum forms part of nationwide initiatives aimed at fostering safer online spaces and equipping parents with modern digital parenting skills.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
