By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
The Ghanaian government formally summoned Russian Ambassador Sergei Berdnikov on Tuesday to address an escalating digital crisis involving the leak of sexually explicit images of Ghanaian women.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration expressed “strong displeasure” over the “atrocious conduct” of a third party described as a “supposed Russian national.” The summons, issued “on the instruction of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa,” signals a sharp diplomatic turn as Ghana seeks the Kremlin’s assistance in a case that has ignited public fury across West Africa.
A Breach of Sovereignty and Dignity
Ghanaian officials characterized the non-consensual publication of intimate images as a direct assault on national law and the “privacy and dignity of the victims.” The ministry’s statement, issued Tuesday, February 17, 2026, underscored the government’s resolve to confront the Russian mission regarding the suspect’s actions.
Government representatives insisted the act “clearly violates Ghanaian law” and stressed that the state is “seeking Russia’s cooperation in pursuing justice for the victims.” They pressed the Russian mission for immediate information-sharing to hold the perpetrator accountable amid growing concerns over “broader cybercrime implications.”
Identity Confusion and Linguistic Subterfuge
During the engagement, Ambassador Berdnikov “acknowledged the violation of the privacy and dignity of the victims” and pointed to “the larger cybercrime dimensions” of the case. However, he introduced a significant complication regarding the suspect’s origin.
The Ambassador told Ghanaian authorities he “is unable to confirm the Russian nationality of the individual at the centre of the intimate viral videos.” He further disclosed that the name circulating in the media is “not a known Russian name.” Instead, Berdnikov explained that the alias “represents an inappropriate or vulgar expression in the Russian language,” suggesting the suspect may be using a derogatory pseudonym to mask his true identity.
A Pattern of International Cybercrime
The investigation has now expanded beyond Ghana’s borders. Ambassador Berdnikov “highlighted similar activities of the said individual in other countries” which had “come to the attention of Russian authorities.” The Ambassador confirmed that “the matter was being investigated by Russian experts,” signaling that the suspect’s digital footprint has triggered alarms in Moscow. Despite the uncertainty of his passport, the Russian Embassy pledged that it is “willing to share information” to support efforts aimed at “apprehending the individual and bringing him to justice.”
Cooperation Without a Treaty
The scandal has exposed a gap in the legal framework between the two nations. Ghana and Russia currently lack a “legally binding extradition treaty,” making the prospect of a physical transfer of the suspect difficult.
Despite this hurdle, the Ministry noted that the cooperation is being pursued within the “context of our longstanding bilateral relations” between the “Republic of Ghana” and the Russian Federation.
Pursuit of International Remedies
The Ghanaian government has moved to reassure a restless public that it will not let the matter rest. Officials stated they are prepared to explore “all international tools and remedies” to ensure the perpetrator faces prosecution.
The administration remains committed to leveraging its “cordial bilateral relations” with Moscow but has made it clear that diplomatic friendship will not supersede the protection of its citizens’ digital rights and the pursuit of justice for the victims.
