Mahama directs MFWA, GJA to develop roadmap on online hate speech

By: Ashiadey Dotse

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 online content and responsible digital communication.

The directive was contained in a letter dated September 22, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama.

The Presidency said the engagement had become necessary due to the growing influence of social media and other digital platforms on public discourse.

It noted that bloggers, content creators, influencers and other social media users now have large audiences and significant influence, but are not always subject to the editorial standards and accountability systems that apply to traditional media organisations.

The proposed engagement is expected to develop a national roadmap that addresses harmful online content while protecting freedom of expression.

The Presidency stressed that hate speech, threats, incitement and other unlawful conduct must be addressed, but legitimate criticism, political commentary, satire and dissent should not be criminalised.

President Mahama also raised concerns about what he described as disproportionate arrests over criticism and politically charged commentary.

“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 engagement is expected to bring together the National Media Commission, Ghana Police Service, religious bodies, civil society organisations, traditional media organisations, bloggers, content creators, influencers, legal and human-rights experts, digital platforms, and relevant regulatory and security institutions.

The stakeholders will examine Ghana’s existing legal, regulatory and institutional framework and clarify the difference between lawful criticism and unlawful speech.

They will also consider practical guidelines for law-enforcement agencies and propose policy, legislative, regulatory and other measures to address harmful digital content.

The Presidency wants the process to consider alternatives to arrest and prosecution in cases that do not involve threats, incitement, violence or other clearly criminal conduct.

Other areas for discussion will include public education, media and digital literacy, ethical standards for online content creators, and accessible complaints and redress mechanisms.

The MFWA and GJA have been asked to submit a proposed framework and timetable for the stakeholder engagement, together with recommendations from the process, for the President’s consideration.

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