The Government of Ghana has summoned the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Ghana, Sergei Berdnikov, following the alleged unlawful publication of sexually explicit images of Ghanaian women without their consent.
The summons, which took place on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, was issued on the instruction of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. According to the Ministry, the action was intended to formally convey the Government of Ghana’s strong displeasure regarding the conduct of a supposed Russian national linked to the circulation of the intimate content online.
Purpose of the Summons
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the alleged actions constitute a clear violation of Ghanaian law and represent a serious breach of the privacy and dignity of the affected individuals. The Government used the engagement to seek the cooperation of the Russian Federation in ensuring that the individual responsible is identified and brought to justice.
Ambassador’s Response
During the meeting, Ambassador Berdnikov acknowledged the gravity of the matter, including the violations of privacy and the broader cybercrime implications. He expressed the willingness of the Russian authorities to cooperate with Ghana in addressing the issue. However, the Ambassador indicated that he was unable to confirm the Russian nationality of the individual at the centre of the viral videos. He further stated that the purported name circulating in the media is not a recognized Russian name but rather an inappropriate or vulgar expression in the Russian language.
Ongoing Investigations
The Russian side reportedly disclosed that similar online activities associated with the individual have been investigated by Russian experts. The Embassy pledged to share relevant information to support Ghana’s investigative efforts. Although there is no extradition treaty between Ghana and Russia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that it will leverage existing bilateral relations and applicable international mechanisms to ensure justice for the victims. The Government reiterated its commitment to protecting the dignity, privacy, and rights of its citizens, particularly in the evolving digital landscape.
