Full text: Mahama’s speech at high-level side event on return and restitution of cultural properties and heritage

President John Dramani Mahama has instructed the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to organize a nationwide stakeholder meeting focusing on issues related to hate speech, abusive online content, and responsible digital communication. This directive, issued on September 22, 2026, comes from the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, and underscores the increasing role of digital platforms in public discourse.

The debate has intensified due to the burgeoning influence of social media and other digital platforms, which now reach vast audiences and wield substantial sway, often without the editorial oversight and accountability measures typically associated with conventional media organizations. The MFWA and GJA are tasked with devising a national roadmap that tackles harmful online content while safeguarding freedom of expression.

The government has emphasized the need to address hate speech, threats, incitement, and other unlawful activities, but it is equally committed to preventing the criminalization of legitimate criticism, political commentary, satire, and dissent. The President has also expressed concern over what he perceives as excessive arrests resulting from criticism and politically charged statements. He fears that such arrests could alienate the public, create false martyrs, and erode confidence in state institutions.

The proposed meeting will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including the National Media Commission, Ghana Police Service, religious groups, civil society organizations, traditional media organizations, bloggers, content creators, influencers, legal and human rights experts, digital platform representatives, and relevant regulatory and security agencies.

The discussion will revolve around reviewing Ghana’s current legal, regulatory, and institutional framework to differentiate between lawful criticism and unlawful speech. It will also explore practical guidelines for law enforcement and advocate for policy, legislative, and regulatory measures to curb harmful digital content.

Beyond addressing content moderation, the meeting will likely cover topics such as public awareness, digital and media literacy, ethical guidelines for online content creators, and accessible complaint and redress mechanisms. The MFWA and GJA are expected to present a proposed framework, timetable, and recommendations from the engagement to the President for his review.