President John Dramani Mahama has directed two of Ghana’s leading media organizations to develop a national road map for addressing hate speech and abusive online content while protecting freedom of expression.
In a letter dated Sept. 22 and signed by Secretary to the President Callistus Mahama, the Presidency asked the Media Foundation for West Africa and the Ghana Journalists Association to convene a national stakeholder engagement on hate speech, threats, incitement and responsible digital communication.
The initiative reflects growing concern in Ghana over the influence of social media and emerging digital platforms on public debate. Bloggers, influencers and other online creators can reach large audiences but generally operate outside the editorial standards and accountability structures governing traditional media organizations, the Presidency said.
The proposed process is intended to distinguish unlawful online conduct from protected speech, including criticism of government, political commentary, satire and dissent.
“While hate speech, threats, incitement and other unlawful conduct must be addressed, legitimate criticism, political commentary, satire and dissent must not be criminalised,” the letter said.
Mr. Mahama also raised concerns about what his office described as disproportionate arrests linked to criticism or politically charged commentary.
Such arrests, he said, could undermine confidence in state institutions and prove counterproductive.
“The President is particularly concerned that disproportionate arrests over mere criticism or politically charged commentary may be counterproductive, create undeserving martyrs and undermine public confidence in state institutions,” the letter said.
The planned stakeholder engagement is expected to include the National Media Commission, Ghana Police Service, religious organizations, civil-society groups, traditional media organizations, bloggers, content creators, influencers, legal and human-rights experts, digital platforms and regulatory and security agencies.
Participants are expected to assess whether Ghana’s existing laws and regulatory institutions adequately address harmful digital content and to clarify the boundary between lawful expression and criminal conduct.
They will also consider practical guidance for law-enforcement agencies, as well as legislative, regulatory and nonlegislative measures for responding to harmful online activity. The Presidency said alternatives to arrest and prosecution should be considered where conduct does not involve threats, incitement, violence or other clearly criminal behavior.
The discussions are also expected to address public education, digital and media literacy, professional and ethical standards for online creators, and mechanisms through which users can file complaints and seek redress.
The Media Foundation for West Africa and the Ghana Journalists Association have been asked to submit a proposed framework and timetable for the stakeholder process, along with recommendations for the President’s consideration.
Source:TheDotNews