General News of 2026-09-23
Mahama calls for national dialogue on hate speech, digital content
President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to convene a national stakeholder engagement on hate speech, abusive language and other harmful content on social media and emerging digital platforms.
The directive was contained in a letter dated September 22, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, on behalf of the President.
The engagement is expected to bring together key stakeholders to examine the growing concerns surrounding digital content while protecting freedom of expression.
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The Presidency noted that the media environment has changed significantly, with public discourse now taking place beyond traditional media organisations.
“Public discourse is increasingly shaped not only by traditional media organisations, which operate within established professional and regulatory frameworks, but also by individual bloggers, content creators, influencers and users of platforms such as TikTok,” the statement said.
According to the letter, many of these actors have substantial audiences and influence but are not necessarily subject to recognised editorial standards or clear accountability mechanisms.
President Mahama said the development presents a public-policy challenge that requires careful consideration.
The letter stressed that hate speech, threats, incitement and other unlawful conduct must be addressed, while cautioning against measures that could unnecessarily restrict legitimate public debate.
“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 statement said.
The proposed stakeholder engagement is therefore expected to help develop a national framework that balances freedom of expression with the need to tackle genuinely harmful digital content.
The MFWA and GJA have been asked to lead the process with the participation of the National Media Commission, Ghana Police Service, religious bodies, civil society organisations, traditional media organisations, social media content creators, bloggers and influencers, legal and human-rights experts, digital platforms, and relevant regulatory and security institutions.
The engagement will also examine existing legal and regulatory frameworks and clarify the distinction between lawful criticism and unlawful speech.
It is expected to propose practical guidelines for law-enforcement agencies and recommend appropriate policy, legislative, regulatory and non-legislative measures.
The Presidency further wants the process to consider public education, media and digital literacy, professional and ethical standards, accessible complaints and redress mechanisms, and alternatives to arrest and prosecution in cases that do not involve threats, incitement, violence or other clearly criminal conduct.
The MFWA and GJA have been asked to submit a proposed framework and timetable for the engagement, together with recommendations arising from the process, for the President’s consideration.
Read the full statement below
NA/AM
