The Government of Ghana has summoned the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Ghana, Sergei Berdnikov, following reports that a supposed Russian national unlawfully published sexually explicit images of Ghanaian women without their consent.

In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, authorities confirmed that the summons was issued at the instruction of the Minister for Foreign Affairs to formally register the Government’s strong protest over the conduct of the individual involved.

According to the Ministry, the alleged actions constitute a clear violation of Ghanaian law and represent a grave infringement on the privacy and dignity of the affected women.

The government is seeking cooperation from Russian authorities to ensure that justice is served.

Ambassador Berdnikov is reported to have acknowledged the seriousness of the matter, including its broader cybercrime implications. He expressed the willingness of the Russian Federation to cooperate with the Republic of Ghana in investigations related to the case.

However, the Ambassador indicated that he is unable to confirm the Russian nationality of the individual at the center of the viral intimate videos.

“The Russian Ambassador, however, indicated that he is unable to confirm the Russian nationality of the individual at the centre of the intimate viral videos, and further disclosed that the purported name making the rounds in the media is not a known Russian name and rather represents an inappropriate or vulgar expression in the Russian language.

“The Ambassador highlighted similar activities of the said individual in other countries which had come to the attention of Russian authorities and was being investigated by Russian experts.



Nationality of suspect in viral explicit images case uncertain as name reportedly a 'vulgar'

Ambassador Sergei Berdnikov has pledged that the Embassy in Ghana is willing to share information on the matter to facilitate Ghana's ongoing efforts aimed at apprehending the individual and bringing him to justice, within the context of our longstanding bilateral despite the absence of a legally binding extradition treaty, “part of the statement said.

The Ambassador also noted that similar activities allegedly linked to the same individual in other countries have come to the attention of Russian authorities and are being investigated by relevant experts.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured the general public of its commitment to leveraging the cordial relations between Ghana and Russia, as well as exploring all available international legal tools and remedies to ensure accountability.

Russian Ambassador summoned on my instructions as Government of Ghana protests unlawful conduct of supposed Russian.

We shall firmly pursue justice in this matter. pic.twitter.com/II5A5188Rp

— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) February 17, 2026