Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation
Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has called on management of social media app, TikTok, to strengthen enforcement of age restrictions and implement tougher safeguards to protect children from harmful online content.
The appeal was made during a courtesy call by a TikTok delegation led by Tokunbo Ibrahim, the platform’s Government Relations and Public Policy Lead for West Africa.
The meeting, which was held at the ministry on June 26, 2025, focused on exploring opportunities for collaboration in platform safety, digital innovation, and content regulation.
Sam George emphasised the need to shield children from harmful online content.
“Online safety for children is non-negotiable. We must ensure platforms like TikTok remain safe spaces not only for entertainment, but also for learning and empowerment,” he stressed.
He urged TikTok to adopt more robust mechanisms that verify user ages, filter content according to age-appropriateness, and shield minors from exposure to harmful material.
In response, Ibrahim outlined TikTok’s latest safety initiatives, including the launch of a dedicated STEM feed to inspire youth with educational content in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
She also reaffirmed TikTok’s commitment to user safety and its continued collaboration with Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority.
“Given your leadership in digital inclusion and youth empowerment, we are excited to work with you to grow the digital economy,” Ibrahim stated.
The minister lauded the STEM feed and proposed aligning it with Ghana’s One Million Coders Program to promote digital literacy among the country’s youth.
He also suggested an organisation of a training boot camp for bloggers and content creators to harness the economic potential of digital content.
As part of broader efforts to counter online misinformation and hate speech, Sam George proposed the establishment of a Ghana-specific TikTok content moderation team to help safeguard the country’s digital environment.
MRA/VPO
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