Shatta Wale Speaks On Viral Russian Video Saga As Debate Over Consent And Public Recording Intensifies

Dancehall artiste Shatta Wale (@shattawalegh) has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding the viral videos involving a foreign national and Ghanaian women, shifting the focus to issues of consent and privacy rather than blaming the women involved.

Shatta Wale: “Recording Someone Without Their Consent Is Illegal”

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Shatta Wale stated: “Recording someone without their consent is illegal — that’s what we need to be focusing on and not our beautiful Ghana girls.”

His comment has sparked widespread reactions online, with many supporting his stance that the core issue should be consent and digital responsibility, not public shaming.

Counter Argument: Public Recording Isn’t Illegal

However, another user, Albert Nat HYDE T™ (@BongoIdeas), offered a contrasting view. He argued that recording people in a public place is generally not illegal, adding that there was no evidence of force or coercion. According to him, the women voluntarily agreed to go with the man after he invited them.

He further stated that being invited somewhere and accepting the invitation does not automatically constitute a crime, drawing comparisons to other activities that are explicitly criminalised under Ghanaian law.

What Does Ghana Law Actually Say?

Under Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), it is an offence to intentionally share intimate images or videos of a person without their consent, particularly where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. Conviction can attract a prison term ranging from one (1) to three (3) years.

While recording in a public space may not automatically be illegal, the legality often depends on context — especially if the content later becomes intimate or is distributed without consent.

Public Debate Grows

The issue has now evolved beyond just the videos, becoming a broader national conversation about consent, digital ethics, privacy rights, and personal accountability. As opinions remain divided, one thing is clear: Ghana’s online space is demanding clearer boundaries when it comes to recording and sharing content.

Authorities have yet to issue a comprehensive public statement, but legal experts continue to caution Ghanaians against forwarding or reposting any intimate material, as doing so could have serious legal consequences.