Revenge pornography as a form of sexual and gender-based violence in Ghana

Abstract

Revenge pornography (revenge porn) is a rising plague in Ghana. There are at least three revenge porn posts on social media every day, a majority of the victims being women and girls. These women and girls suffer horrific consequences yet are inadequately sheltered by the courts and the existing laws in Ghana. This chapter considers the role of the courts in addressing revenge porn–related issues, particularly through a gender-conscious lens, especially in light of the current inadequacy of the Ghanaian legal framework on the subject. The chapter further advocates for framing revenge porn as a form of gender-based violence, as doing so will positively impact any future legislation to better protect and offer adequate remedies for female revenge porn victims. Although effective legislation against revenge porn is recommended, the chapter primarily focuses on how the courts can contribute to achieving this end. The chapter employs a doctrinal analysis of primary and secondary documentary sources of data to arrive at its findings and recommendations.