Mahama asks MFWA, GJA to lead national dialogue on hate speech

President John Dramani Mahama has tasked the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) with organizing a nationwide stakeholder meeting on issues surrounding hate speech, abusive online content, and responsible digital communication. The directive was issued in a letter from the President's Office, dated September 22, 2026, and signed by Dr Callistus Mahama, the Secretary to the President.

The meeting aims to tackle the increasing prevalence of hate speech, abusive language, threats, and other harmful content on social media and digital platforms while upholding freedom of expression.

The letter highlights that Ghana's media landscape has evolved, with public discourse influenced by traditional media outlets, bloggers, content creators, influencers, and platform users like TikTok. Many of these actors, the President noted, have significant audiences but do not adhere to established editorial standards or accountability mechanisms.

He described this as a "difficult but important public-policy challenge," emphasizing the need to address hate speech, threats, incitement, and unlawful behavior without criminalizing legitimate criticism, political commentary, satire, and dissent.

President Mahama expressed worry about disproportionate arrests resulting from mere criticism or politically charged commentary, which could create "undeserving martyrs" and erode trust in state institutions. The MFWA and GJA are now tasked with leading a broad, inclusive process involving the National Media Commission, Ghana Police Service, religious bodies, civil society organizations, traditional media outlets, social media content creators, bloggers, influencers, legal and human rights experts, digital platform representatives, and relevant state regulatory and security institutions.

The engagement will evaluate Ghana's existing legal, regulatory, and institutional framework, clarify the difference between lawful criticism and unlawful speech, propose practical guidelines for law enforcement, and recommend various policy, legislative, regulatory, and non-legislative measures.

The process is also expected to explore public education, media and digital literacy, professional and ethical standards for online content creators, and accessible complaints and redress mechanisms. The President called for alternatives to prosecution in cases involving threats, incitement, violence, or other clearly criminal acts. The MFWA and GJA have been directed to submit a proposed framework, timetable, and recommendations arising from the stakeholder engagement for the President's review.