Mahama directs GJA, MFWA to convene national stakeholder engagement on hate speech, harmful online content

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 to tackle issues surrounding hate speech, abusive online content, and responsible digital communication. This initiative aims to tackle the increasing instances of harmful digital content while preserving freedom of expression.

In a letter from the President's office, dated September 22, 2026, and signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, Mahama acknowledged the significant transformation of Ghana's media landscape, with numerous bloggers, influencers, and platform users now shaping public discourse. However, these individuals often lack established editorial standards or clear accountability measures.

Mahama described this as a "complex yet crucial public policy challenge," emphasizing the necessity of addressing hate speech, threats, and unlawful behavior without criminalizing legitimate criticism, political commentary, satire, and dissent. He expressed concern over excessive arrests stemming from mere criticism or politically charged remarks, arguing that such actions may be counterproductive, create "undeserving martyrs," and erode public trust in state institutions.

Mahama stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive national roadmap that safeguards freedom of expression while providing an appropriate and proportional response to genuine harmful digital content. Consequently, Mahama has tasked MFWA and GJA with leading an extensive, inclusive stakeholder engagement process on hate speech. This forum will encompass the National Media Commission, religious bodies, the Ghana Police Service, civil society organizations, traditional media entities, social media creators, bloggers and influencers, legal and human rights experts, representatives from digital platforms, and relevant state regulatory and security institutions.

The engagement aims to assess the current legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks, delineate the difference between permissible criticism and unlawful speech, propose practical guidelines for law enforcement agencies, and suggest suitable policy, legislative, regulatory, and non-legislative measures. The process will also consider public education, media and digital literacy, ethical standards for online content creators, accessible complaint and redress mechanisms, and alternatives to arrest and prosecution for cases involving non-threatening, non-inciting, non-violent, or otherwise non-criminal conduct.

MFWA and GJA are requested to submit a proposed framework and timetable for the stakeholder engagement, along with recommendations from the process, for Mahama's consideration.