Gov’t Tablets Misused for Pornography by SHS Students, Education Minister Discloses
A surprising revelation from the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has stirred public concern as he disclosed that some Senior High School (SHS) students are using government-issued tablets to access pornographic content. The tablets, which were introduced under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy to enhance digital learning, appear to be serving unintended purposes due to a lack of restrictions on some of the devices.
As part of the national digital transformation agenda in education, government is expected to distribute about 1.3 million tablets to SHS students across the country. According to the Minister, close to 980,000 devices have already been deployed, with the remaining units expected to be rolled out soon. The initiative is one of the major contracts inherited by Haruna Iddrisu, aimed at ensuring that every SHS student has access to essential digital tools that support effective learning.
However, speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, November 27, 2025, the Minister revealed a worrying loophole. Some of the tablets were not customised before being handed out, leaving them open to unrestricted internet content. This gap has enabled certain students to use the devices for non-academic purposes, including accessing explicit and inappropriate material.
“My attention was drawn this morning to the fact that many of the devices are not customized, and the students are using them for other purposes including pornography, which is not acceptable,” the Minister stated.
He further explained that the contract he inherited, valued at approximately $337 million, covered the nationwide distribution of these devices. While the initiative is a remarkable step toward improving digital literacy, the lack of control systems on some tablets poses a serious challenge to the intended academic goals.
To address the issue, the Minister assured the House that government is taking firm steps to introduce tighter restrictions. These restrictions will ensure students access only educational materials and approved online resources.
“Government is taking a high view of it and there must be restrictions as to what the tablets can be used for. They should be used strictly for the purpose of study,” he emphasized.
The tablets are expected to host curriculum materials, textbooks, and other educational content to support digital learning. This initiative is especially crucial as Ghana aims to produce globally competitive students with strong digital skills and technological awareness.
The Minister concluded by stressing the importance of safeguarding the learning environment as the country deepens its investment in digital education. Ensuring that the devices are properly customized, filtered, and monitored will be key in guaranteeing that the tablets fulfill their intended purpose—promoting learning, improving access to academic resources, and supporting modern teaching methods.
As Ghana continues to integrate technology into education, the balance between accessibility and responsible use remains a top priority for the Ministry of Education.
