Mahama Tasks GJA, MFWA To Lead National Dialogue On Hate Speech

President John Dramani Mahama has tasked the Ghana Journalists Association and the Media Foundation for West Africa to jointly lead a national stakeholder dialogue on hate speech and responsible digital communication.

The President's call is contained in a letter from the Presidency dated September 22, 2026 and signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama.

According to the letter, the engagement has become necessary due to the rising cases of hate speech, threats, abusive language and other harmful content on social media and digital platforms.

The President observed that Ghana's media landscape has changed drastically, with public discourse now heavily influenced by bloggers, content creators and influencers on platforms like TikTok who command huge audiences but do not operate under any recognised editorial standards or accountability mechanism.

President Mahama described the situation as a difficult but important public policy challenge that must be addressed without criminalising legitimate criticism, political commentary, satire and dissent.

He also raised concerns over what he termed disproportionate arrests over mere criticism or politically charged comments, warning that such actions create undeserving martyrs and erode public confidence in state institutions.

He therefore wants a coherent national roadmap that protects free expression while providing a proportionate response to genuinely harmful online content.

The proposed engagement is expected to bring together the National Media Commission, religious bodies, Ghana Police Service, civil society, traditional media, bloggers, influencers, content creators, legal and human rights experts, representatives of digital platforms, and relevant regulatory and security agencies.

The dialogue is to review the existing legal and regulatory framework, draw the line between lawful criticism and unlawful speech, propose guidelines for law enforcement, and recommend policy, legislative and non-legislative measures.

It is also expected to consider public education, digital literacy, ethical standards for online creators, complaint and redress mechanisms, and alternatives to arrest and prosecution in cases that do not involve threats, incitement or violence.

The GJA and MFWA have been requested to submit a proposed framework and timetable for the engagement, together with recommendations, for the President's consideration.