By Constant Worlanyo Agbeko
In Ghana, where family and community are the heartbeat of life, a new kind of story is being written, one that begins the moment a child is born. Picture a proud parent sharing a newborn’s photo on WhatsApp, complete with the baby’s name, birth date, and the hospital in Kumasi or Accra where they arrived.
Or imagine aunties and uncles posting birthday wishes on Facebook, tagging their locations. These moments, shared with love and celebration, mark the start of a digital footprint, a trail that grows before the child can even speak, let alone choose what the world knows about them. In today’s Ghana, this isn’t just a possibility; it’s a reality for countless families.
What begins as a single post quickly becomes a stream. A video of a toddler’s first steps zips through a family WhatsApp group. A proud parent beams on Instagram about their child’s school award in Cape Coast. Colorful photos from a family wedding in Ho or a vacation to Ada’s beaches flood Facebook feeds.
These snippets of life, shared across platforms like TikTok, X, or Snapchat, feel like harmless ways to connect with loved ones near and far, from Ghana’s bustling cities to the diaspora abroad. But each post adds another piece to a digital puzzle. When stitched together, these fragments can reveal a startlingly detailed picture of someone’s life often more than they’d ever choose to share themselves.
In Ghana’s vibrant, close-knit culture, sharing is second nature. It’s how we celebrate milestones, strengthen bonds, and keep the extended family in the loop. Yet, this instinct to share, fuelled by joy and pride, comes with risks many overlook. Posts meant for cousins or church friends can be seen by strangers.
As Ghana embraces the digital age, with smartphones now common even in rural areas, the line between private and public life is blurring. The question looms: what does it mean when our lives go online before we’re ready to decide for ourselves?
Why Digital Footprints Matter
Ghana’s digital landscape is blooming. From mobile money apps to social media, technology is reshaping how we live, work, and connect. But with this growth comes a new challenge: the permanence of what we share online. A photo posted today says a child’s naming ceremony in Bolgatanga doesn’t vanish.
It lingers on servers, searchable by future employers, schools, or even marriage prospects, whether in Ghana or overseas. A playful video of a teen dancing at a family party might seem fun now, but years later, it could be misinterpreted, affecting job prospects or reputations.
For Ghana’s “digital natives” young people raised with smartphones and Wi-Fi, this is especially critical. Unlike their parents, who entered the digital world as adults, today’s youth inherit online profiles shaped by others. A child born in 2025 might have hundreds of posts about them by the time they’re 10, from baby photos to school events. Without guidance, they may not grasp the weight of this digital trail until it’s too late. In Ghana, where respect for elders often guides family decisions, parents and guardians play a pivotal role in deciding what’s shared, making their choices even more significant.
The risks aren’t just personal. In a society where community matters, oversharing can expose entire families. A post about a family trip might signal an empty home to thieves. A child’s school details, shared publicly, could attract unwanted attention. As Ghana’s internet access grows now reaching over 70% of the population, according to Statista, these concerns are no longer distant. They’re part of daily life, from urban hubs to smaller towns.
A Ghanaian Duty
In Ghana, family is everything. Extended relatives, from grandparents to distant cousins, form a network of love and support. Sharing news within this circle, whether at a family meeting or online, strengthens these ties. But in the digital age, parents and guardians must become gatekeepers of their children’s privacy. The trend of “sharenting”- parents posting every milestone for likes, comments, or validation can erode a child’s future control over their story. A photo from a school play might earn praise today, but will it feel okay when that child applies for a job in 15 years?
This responsibility starts with awareness. Many Ghanaian parents, especially younger ones, are somewhat savvy with social media, but not all consider the long-term impact of their posts. Older relatives, new to smartphones, may share without realizing who can see their updates. Simple steps can help: locking down WhatsApp groups to trusted members, using private Instagram settings, or avoiding details like full names and addresses.
Teaching children about online safety as they grow, perhaps during family talks or at school, can also empower them to take charge later. In a culture that values guidance, parents must balance pride with protection, ensuring their children’s digital footprints don’t outrun their futures.
Why We Overshare
Why do Ghanaians share so much online? At its core, it’s about connection. Social media let us bridge distances. A post about a child’s baptism or a sibling’s graduation sparks comments and emojis, creating a virtual version of the warmth we feel at family gatherings. In Ghana’s oral tradition, storytelling binds us, and platforms like Facebook or TikTok feel like modern firesides for sharing tales.
But there’s more at play. The pursuit of validation drives many. A flood of likes on a post about a new car or a child’s award feels like applause, boosting confidence in a world where social standing matters. The fear of missing out (FOMO) also pushes us; nobody wants to be the one not celebrating a cousin’s wedding online. For some, especially influencers, sharing is a job, with posts about daily life turning into ad deals or sponsorships. This “privacy paradox” defines Ghana’s digital culture: we voice concerns about safety, yet keep posting, caught between community and caution.
Data Dangers in Ghana’s Digital Age
As Ghana’s online world expands, so do its risks. Cybercrime is rising, from phishing scams on WhatsApp to fake profiles targeting trusting users. Personal details like a child’s school or a family’s travel plans can be gold for fraudsters. Identity theft, though less discussed, is a growing threat, with scammers piecing together profiles from scattered posts. Even small leaks, like a tagged location, can expose vulnerabilities. While Ghana hasn’t seen data breaches on the scale of global headlines, the potential is there, especially as businesses and government services go digital.
Beyond crime, there’s the risk of misuse by institutions. Schools or companies might trawl social media for insights on applicants, misjudging posts from years past. In Ghana, where personal networks often shape opportunities, a misinterpreted online moment could close doors. For families, the stakes are collective; what one person shares can affect everyone tied to them, from siblings to in-laws.
The Law and Ethics
Ghana’s Data Protection Act of 2012 is a strong foundation, designed to safeguard personal information. But awareness remains low, and enforcement is a work in progress. Many Ghanaians don’t know their rights, like the ability to demand data deletion or how to report violations. For children, whose details are shared without consent, the law raises ethical questions. Who decides that’s okay to post about a minor? How do we respect their future autonomy?
These questions aren’t just legal; they’re cultural. In Ghana, where community decisions often outweigh individual ones, families must navigate new norms. Should a parent post a child’s photo if it might affect them later? Should aunties share school updates without asking? As technology races ahead, Ghana needs ongoing conversations on radio shows, in churches, at schools about what it means to live ethically online.
Practical Steps for Ghanaians
Protecting your digital footprint doesn’t require tech expertise; it starts with small, intentional choices. On social media, use private settings to limit who sees your posts. On WhatsApp, double-check group members before sharing sensitive updates; a cousin’s friend might not need to know your child’s birthday. Avoid posting specifics like home addresses, school names, or travel plans. Regularly search your name online to see what’s out there. Google and social platforms make this easy.
Strong passwords are a must; don’t use “123456” or your birth year. Be wary of links or requests for information, even from “friends” online; scams often hide in plain sight. For families, talk openly about privacy, especially with older relatives new to smartphones. A quick chat with grandma about not posting every grandchild’s photo can go a long way. Schools can help too by teaching kids digital literacy.
Finally, pause before you post. Ask: Do I want this online forever? Could it hurt someone later? In Ghana’s warm, connected culture, sharing is love but love can also mean holding back. By blending caution with celebration, Ghanaians can keep their stories safe, ensuring the digital trails we leave reflect who we are and who we hope to be.
Constant | IT Support Officer | Member, IIPGH
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