Mahama Tasks MFWA, GJA to Lead National Dialogue on Hate Speech and Online Abuse

President John Dramani Mahama has tasked the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) with organising a national stakeholder engagement on hate speech, abusive online content and responsible digital communication.

The directive was contained in a letter dated September 22, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama.

According to the Presidency, the initiative has become necessary due to the growing role of social media and emerging digital platforms in shaping public debate.

The letter noted that bloggers, influencers, content creators and other social media users now reach large audiences and can significantly influence public opinion. However, unlike traditional media organisations, many of these actors do not operate under comparable editorial standards or accountability systems.

The Presidency is therefore seeking a national roadmap that addresses harmful online content while protecting freedom of expression.

“While hate speech, threats, incitement and other unlawful conduct must be addressed, legitimate criticism, political commentary, satire and dissent must not be criminalised,” the letter stated.

President Mahama also raised concerns about what he described as disproportionate arrests arising from criticism or politically charged commentary.

“The President is particularly concerned that disproportionate arrests over mere criticism or politically charged commentary may be counterproductive, create undeserving martyrs and undermine public confidence in state institutions,” the letter added.

Stakeholders to participate

The proposed engagement is expected to bring together a broad range of stakeholders, including the National Media Commission, Ghana Police Service, religious organisations, civil society groups, traditional media houses, bloggers, content creators and influencers.

Legal and human-rights experts, digital platforms and relevant regulatory and security agencies are also expected to participate.

The discussions will examine whether Ghana’s existing legal, regulatory and institutional arrangements are adequate to deal with harmful digital content.

Participants will also be expected to help define the boundary between lawful criticism and speech that constitutes an offence.

Among the proposed outcomes are practical guidelines for law-enforcement agencies and recommendations on policy, legislation, regulation and other non-legislative measures for addressing harmful online content.

The Presidency has further asked stakeholders to explore alternatives to arrest and prosecution in cases that do not involve threats, incitement, violence or other clearly criminal behaviour.

Other areas expected to feature in the discussions include public education, media and digital literacy, ethical and professional standards for online content creators, as well as accessible mechanisms for complaints and redress.

The MFWA and GJA have been asked to submit a proposed framework and timetable for the engagement, along with recommendations arising from the discussions, for consideration by President Mahama.