Cyber Security Authority warns SHS graduates

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has warned senior high school graduates against making indecent and irresponsible statements on social media.

According to the authority, the graduates should note that such conduct on social media could damage their future prospects.

Many senior high school graduates, especially females in the last three weeks, have flooded social media [Tiktok] with posts talking about how they are going to live a promiscuous lifestyle after school.

Many of them have been talking about how they are going to be dating married men after school as their ‘sugar daddies’, and therefore cautioning married women that, when they see them with their husbands, they should just allow it.

The social media posts, many of which have gone viral, have the female students in school uniforms with their mates urging them on.

In a statement issued in Accra on Thursday [September 25, 2025], the Authority said it had observed a growing trend of troubling behaviour by some graduates online.

These included the use of vulgar language, threats, and public declarations about “snatching people’s husbands.” The posts, which have been widely circulated on various platforms, have drawn public concern.

The CSA noted that while social media provides opportunities for expression, networking and creativity, users must also recognise their responsibilities.

It explained that online posts form part of a person’s permanent digital record, which universities, scholarship boards, and employers often review during selection processes. According to the Authority, irresponsible online activity could undermine a person’s academic, career and professional opportunities.

It added that such behaviour also exposes young people to cyberbullying, harassment, grooming and exploitation. In some cases, indecent online activity may breach Ghana’s cybercrime laws, particularly the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), and the Electronic Communications Act.

The Authority urged graduates to use social media responsibly and maintain decency in their interactions. It encouraged them to treat digital platforms as spaces for creativity, entrepreneurship, networking and personal growth rather than for content that may be insulting or harmful.

“As Ghana continues to advance in digital transformation, the CSA stresses the need for positive online conduct among the youth,” the statement said.

It added that the Authority will continue working with the Ministry of Education, civil society groups and community leaders to raise awareness about safe and responsible use of the internet.