ACCRA, Ghana- Ghana has summoned Sergei Berdnikov, the Russian Ambassador to Ghana, over what authorities describe as the unlawful conduct of a Russian national involved in secretly recording intimate encounters with Ghanaian women and circulating the footage online without consent.
In a statement, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Ambassador Berdnikov was called to formally register the government’s “strong displeasure” at what it termed “atrocious conduct”, which officials say violated Ghanaian laws protecting privacy and dignity.
The summons follows widespread public concern after videos believed to show the man covertly capturing intimate moments with local women circulated on social media and messaging platforms.
Ghanaian authorities have described the conduct as a serious breach of privacy and a criminal offence under the country’s Cybersecurity Act.
During the meeting, Ambassador Berdnikov acknowledged the gravity of the allegations and the privacy violations highlighted by Ghanaian officials.
He also expressed Russia’s willingness to cooperate with Ghana’s efforts to pursue justice in the matter, despite uncertainty over the suspect’s true nationality.
Russian Ambassador summoned on my instructions as Government of Ghana protests unlawful conduct of supposed Russian.We shall firmly pursue justice in this matter.
Officials noted that the name circulating in media reports is not recognised as a typical Russian name and might be misleading, and Ambassador Berdnikov said he could not conclusively confirm the suspect’s nationality.
The Russian envoy also indicated that Russian authorities were aware of similar alleged activities involving the same individual in other countries and that investigations were underway.
Ghanaian authorities stressed that preliminary findings suggest the suspect may have already left the country, but insisted that departure does not lessen the seriousness of the offence or the state’s determination to seek accountability. Accra may pursue extradition or prosecute the suspect in absentia if necessary, even though there is no formal extradition treaty with Russia.
The case has drawn regional attention, with officials in other African countries like Kenya examining whether the same individual engaged in similar conduct beyond Ghana’s borders.
Investigations are ongoing, and Ghana has indicated it will use all available diplomatic and legal tools to ensure justice for the victims.
