ACCRA, Ghana, 7th November: President John Dramani Mahama has called for a national conversation to establish a clear understanding of the boundaries between freedom of expression, hate speech and outright insults in Ghana’s democratic environment.
He said the growing influence of digital platforms has made it necessary for the country to carefully examine how to protect free expression while addressing harmful content capable of threatening public peace and social cohesion.
Speaking at the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards, President Mahama stressed that Ghana must strike a balance between maintaining public order and protecting citizens’ fundamental freedoms.
“We must maintain a balance between public order and free expression. We must, as a society, agree on where we draw the line between free speech, hate speech and outright insults,” he stated.
The President observed that digital platforms have expanded opportunities for citizens to participate in national discussions and expose problems in their communities.
However, he warned that the same platforms have also made it easier for false information, threats and inflammatory content to spread rapidly.
He noted that videos and recordings can be manipulated and circulated out of context, sometimes creating false impressions about events and individuals.
President Mahama therefore disclosed that he had commissioned the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the GJA to undertake consultations and submit recommendations on how Ghana should respond to emerging challenges in the new media environment.
He insisted that any measures introduced to address misinformation and harmful content must not undermine legitimate criticism or independent journalism.
“Ghanaians must remain free to challenge their leaders, expose wrongdoing and express strong opinions,” he emphasised.
He added that where credible threats or incitement to violence require intervention, the response must be lawful, proportionate and subject to due process.
The President maintained that the fight against misinformation must be approached in a manner that protects democratic freedoms while preventing the misuse of digital platforms to threaten others or incite violence.
His remarks formed part of his address at the 30th GJA Media Awards, held under the theme: “Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age.”
LISTEN TO PRESIDENT JOHN MAHAMA IN THE AUDIO BELOW👇:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️) Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭