A bold new campaign to protect children from online exploitation and abuse has been launched in Ghana, spearheaded by the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation (GISF) in partnership with UK-based child protection organization, Praesidio Safeguarding.
The initiative, which officially began in June 2025, uses the power of celebrity and social media influence to raise awareness around financial sexual extortion, child sexual abuse material (CSAM), cyberbullying, and online fraud, particularly targeting vulnerable children and teens.
Popular Ghanaian personalities such as AJ Poundz (OnuaTV), Ama Pokuah, and Obolo are leading the campaign, producing content that blends English and local languages like Twi and Ga — making the messages accessible to families from all walks of life.
The messages are being rolled out in a 5-week video series across platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, with formats ranging from short skits and direct storytelling to culturally familiar expressions and idioms.
“Digital parenting shouldn’t be a privilege. It must be a skill every Ghanaian caregiver can access,” said Emmanuel Adinkrah, President of the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation.
“By using trusted voices and a mix of local languages, we are removing barriers and making online safety part of everyday conversation.”
Research-Informed, Locally Relevant
The campaign is anchored in findings from GISF’s 2024 National Digital Literacy and Online Safety Report, which revealed that only 25% of parents actively use parental controls, while 30% have never had a conversation about online safety with their children.
These findings underscore the need for simplified, culturally grounded safety messaging.
The initiative also draws from the Disrupting Harm Report, which highlights that 1 in 3 children in Ghana has experienced at least one form of online sexual exploitation or abuse.
“Child protection is global, but solutions must be local,” said a representative from Praesidio Safeguarding. “We’re proud to help Ghana lead with a campaign that feels familiar, accessible, and effective.”
Beyond Social Media: From Awareness To Action
Beyond online content, GISF will lead in-person school visits, community dialogues, and digital parenting forums across selected regions. The campaign will culminate in the release of a Digital Parenting Playbook, translated into Twi, Ga, Ewe, and Dagbani — offering practical tips and conversation starters for parents and caregivers.
The long-term goal is to support national efforts to institutionalize digital literacy, improve prevention, and strengthen response systems to protect children online.
How To Get Involved
The public is encouraged to engage with the campaign using the hashtag #ProtectChildrenOnlineGH, and visit www.gisfoundation.com for updates, video content, and free digital resources.
