President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to jointly convene a national stakeholder engagement to address the rising incidence of hate speech, abusive language, and harmful content across social media and emerging digital platforms.
In a letter signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, the Presidency highlighted how the evolving media landscape has shifted public discourse from traditional media outlets to individual bloggers, influencers, and platforms such as TikTok, where actors often operate without recognised editorial oversight.
“While hate speech, threats, incitement and other unlawful conduct must be addressed, legitimate criticism, political commentary, satire and dissent must not be criminalised,” the statement noted.
The President expressed concern that disproportionate arrests over political commentary could prove counterproductive, create undeserving martyrs, and undermine public confidence in state institutions.
To build a balanced response, the MFWA and GJA have been asked to lead a broad-based consultation involving key entities, including the National Media Commission, the Ghana Police Service, religious bodies, civil society groups, legal experts, and social media content creators.
“There is, therefore, an urgent need for a coherent national roadmap that protects freedom of expression while providing an appropriate and proportionate response to genuinely harmful digital content,” Dr Mahama stated.
The engagement will evaluate existing legal and regulatory frameworks, establish clear distinctions between lawful criticism and unlawful speech, and propose practical guidelines for law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the initiative will explore digital literacy programs, ethical standards for content creators, and alternatives to arrest for non-criminal conduct.
The organisations are expected to submit a proposed framework, timetable, and final recommendations for executive consideration.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
